posted on May 30, 2005 09:29:41 PM new
Canada Red Cross Guilty in Blood Scandal Mon May 30, 9:23 PM ET
HAMILTON, Ontario - The Canadian Red Cross pleaded guilty Monday to distributing blood tainted with HIV and hepatitis C in the 1980s, and was fined $4,000 in the public health disaster that infected thousands.
More than 1,000 Canadians contracted blood-borne HIV and up to 20,000 others were infected with hepatitis C after receiving the tainted blood products. About 3,000 people had died by 1997 and the death toll has grown, but recent estimates were not available.
"(The) Canadian Red Cross Society is deeply sorry for the injury and death ... for the suffering caused to families and loved ones of those who were harmed," said Dr. Pierre Duplessis, the secretary general of the Red Cross.
In a public apology demanded by survivors of the victims and played via videotape in the courtroom, Duplessis said the charity accepted responsibility for "having distributed harmful products for those that rely on us for their health."
In exchange for the guilty plea and public apology, prosecutors dropped criminal charges against the charity, including criminal negligence and common nuisance.
John Plater, who contracted HIV and hemophilia from the tainted blood, said the plea offered a measure of vindication.
"We (had) thought a terrible mistake had caused the worst public health disaster in this country's history and what we've heard today is: No, in fact, people broke the law," said Plater, who is also Ontario president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society.
In addition to the fine, the charity will set aside $1.2 million for scholarships for family members of those affected as well as a medical research project.
Federal prosecutor John Ayre said the fine was adequate given the Red Cross's status as a humanitarian organization, noting it no longer engages in blood collection or distribution.
The Canadian Red Cross has already paid victims $55 million in a separate fund.
The proceedings Monday were separate from charges against Dr. Roger Perrault, former director of blood transfusion for the Red Cross. He is charged along with three other doctors and the New Jersey-based Armour Pharmaceutical Co. They are accused of criminal negligence and endangering the public for allegedly allowing Armour's blood-clotting product, infected with HIV, to be given to hemophilia patients.
Perrault's lawyer has denied the doctor committed a crime.
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[ edited by Libra63 on May 31, 2005 11:30 AM ]
posted on May 30, 2005 09:52:10 PM new
A tragedy for sure.
But one sentence I question is this one:
John Plater, who contracted HIV and hemophilia from the tainted blood, said the plea offered a measure of vindication.
Hemophilia is a genetic decease...not something your 'get' from tainted blood. I think that's a misprint.
But that said.....we had a similar situation BEFORE we [the US] were aware that HIV was passed via blood/blood products. And many hemophilia's were infected with HIV/AIDS when they received their blood plasm to help keep them from bleeding to death.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on May 31, 2005 10:27:55 AM new
Libra, because this board tends to be American oriented, we seldom talk about the stuff that goes on in Canada. This is a real tragedy but there's some good that came from it. Instead of testing batches randomly, now all blood is tested, which should have been done in the first place. Any organization that cuts costs to play Russian roulette with people's lives should be fined heavily and sued to the max no matter what country it is.
posted on May 31, 2005 11:27:23 AM new
We all have to understand that every country isn't perfect. I only posted it because to show that others can make mistakes unlike what some think in here. We are all human and humans make mistakes and it will never change.
This could have happen anywhere. In fact there was a scare in the US also in the 80's where testing wasn't done and they took the word of donors and it was the lies the donors told that led to the one here. Aids testing back then was almost null, but thank goodness to research they have tests that they can do now. I had 8 pints during that time and all I could do was keep my fingers crossed that I wasn't one of them.
posted on May 31, 2005 11:32:09 AM new
Libra, how come ya didnt post Miss Canada won Miss Universe? Is that somehow not as important as blood contamination? lol
posted on May 31, 2005 11:40:03 AM new
I know Libra. But it's not as much fun for them to acknowledge or admit other countries have their own failings. They only enjoy making America's problems BANNER NEWS.
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Four More Years....YES!!!
posted on May 31, 2005 11:44:28 AM new
Libra, human error is one thing but not testing whatever to save money is criminal, imo. These types of things are always blamed on human error instead of coming clean about not having proper procedure in the first place. Look at Canada's beef situation. Every animal that's ever consumed should be tested for everything or we'll end up getting more and more cases of Mad Cow and who knows what else. Another thing that's blamed on human error instead of admitting to cost cutting. You're right, no country is immune.
And I certainly hope you're ok, Libra. What a ball & chain it must be for you having to think about that.
Double, that was me that was crowned Miss Universe (I'm wearing the crown now). I was suppose to do photo ops today but told them I need to get on Vendio to discuss my sweet tooth.
posted on May 31, 2005 11:50:50 AM new
Wow, is the crown heavy? It sure is a beauty. And so are you. I think you had one up on Puerto Rico and she thought she was going to be the winner, she had nothing compared to you. Now it is off to Trump Towers. Enjoy yourself....
Was Billy Bush as funny as we saw him? I didn't like his co partner though. Her voice was, well I am going to keep this thread a good one
Now explain to me how you could compete in the MISS Universe contest. Didn't you say you had 2 Mr. Krafts?
posted on May 31, 2005 11:57:35 AM new
[i]Libra, how come ya didnt post Miss Canada won Miss Universe[/]?
The reason I thought someone from Canada would do it. I know KD was to excited to do it so I just stepped in. How silly but please check just above where Miss Canada and I were conversing.
posted on May 31, 2005 12:14:48 PM new
Every animal that's ever consumed should be tested for everything or we'll end up getting more and more cases of Mad Cow and who knows what else.
too late-crows already got it.
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Baseball season has started,but they have it all wrong.3 strikes and you're out,4 balls you walk.I can tell you right now a man with 4 balls could not possibly walk
posted on May 31, 2005 12:17:57 PM new
Kraft did you see the judges. Queer Guy (I don't know his real name but that is what Billy Called him so I thought I was safe) was one and he told Billy Bush that he was taking a second look. Will wonders never cease.
