On Tuesday 12 September, the European Parliament adopted its position on new rules governing the use of so-called substances of human origin (SoHOs) in the EU.
The report by Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé (EPP, French), which amends the European Commission’s initial proposal, was adopted in plenary by 483 votes to 52 with 89 abstentions.
This legislation applies to substances - such as blood and its components (red/white blood cells, plasma), tissues and cells - that are used for transfusions, therapies, transplants or medically assisted reproduction.
A single amendment (from the EPP) was adopted in plenary, specifying that donors should be able to be compensated “for any quantifiable expenses and losses, financial or non-financial, that they incur as a result of a donation”. In calculating such compensation, SoHO entities should be able to take into account non-financial variables to determine the appropriate level and form of compensation to be granted to donors, as long as such compensation respects the principle of voluntary and unpaid donation set out in the regulation.
For the rest, the text remains identical to that negotiated and voted on by the relevant parliamentary committee (see EUROPE 13225/6). The text is referred back to the parliamentary committee to begin negotiations with the Council. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)