Blood plasma is big business — especially along the U.S.–Mexico border. Every day, thousands of Mexican citizens cross legally into the United States, to sell their plasma. Supporters say they’re saving lives. Critics say it’s exploitation built on a loophole in immigration law. In part four of our series “Blood Work,” Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports.

The world’s supply of many life-saving medications depends on people in the United States deciding to sell their blood plasma. Without them, there would be a global shortage of critical medications and a public health crisis. But what does it take to be a supplier of this indispensable resource? In part 3 of the special series 'Blood Work,' TPR’s David Martin Davies shows us what it’s like to be a compensated plasma donor.

Blood plasma is a necessary resource to produce life-saving medicine. Because people are the only source, donors are often paid to encourage them to give. Some might see that as a dynamic that raises uncomfortable ethical questions. In the second part of the series “Blood Work,” Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies takes a look at the multibillion-dollar blood plasma industry.

As more people are caught in the economic squeeze of a rising cost of living, many are looking for ways to make extra money. A growing number are turning to selling their blood plasma — an essential ingredient in making many lifesaving medications. In a new series called “Blood Work,” Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies investigates why Texas leads the nation in blood plasma donations.