In the United States, selling blood plasma is increasingly seen as a viable source of additional income, particularly among middle-class individuals, who are turning to this practice due to a combination of financial need and global medical demand. This process, which blends personal need with medical necessity, has become a routine for many, contributing to a multi-billion-dollar industry. Plasma, the yellowish liquid component of blood, is crucial for creating medications used in treating severe illnesses, including therapies for immune deficiencies, liver diseases, and clotting disorders.

According to a report from The New York Times, approximately 215,000 people sell plasma on a daily basis in the U.S. While the term 'donation' is commonly used, participants in this process actually receive compensation, averaging between $60 (R$ 314) and $70 (R$ 366) per session. By donating up to twice a week, some individuals are able to earn close to $600 (R$ 3,100) monthly, thereby providing a significant financial boost.

This trend highlights both the economic pressures faced by many Americans and the ongoing demand for blood plasma in the healthcare sector. As medical technologies advance and the need for plasma-derived therapies increases, the practice of selling plasma could become an even more integral part of American life, raising questions about ethics, health, and the financial realities of those participating in this market.