EHA welcomes European Parliament backing for SoHO legislation
EHA welcomes the European Parliament’s backing for SoHO legislation that puts patient safety and supply sustainability first.
On July 18, the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI) voted to adopt the amended report on regulating substances of human origin (SoHO), such as blood, plasma, organs, and tissues. This move is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and quality of these substances. It aims to safeguard the continuity and quality of supplies and improve the well-being of those donating and receiving SoHO-derived products, including children conceived through assisted reproduction.
A key goal of the report is to establish sustainable plasma supplies in Europe. By sharing data on supply and demand stakeholders help ensure a stable source of plasma, vital for treating various diseases. Europe currently faces a shortage of donations, relying on the U.S. for around 30 percent of its needs.
Additionally, the report sets limits on the frequency of blood and plasma donations to prevent any financial gains from such practices and to prioritize the well-being of donors and recipients.
The next crucial step is the plenary vote in parliament in September. EHA will continue to monitor developments around this report and reiterate the importance of prioritizing donor and patient safety, sustainable supplies, quality assurance, and effective and harmonized oversight of SoHO collection and use in Europe.
Consult the full parliamentary report here.
Find more information on EHA’s activities on blood and blood components here.
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