Suchergebnisse

ABSTRACTThe Gift Relationship (Titmuss, 1970) argued that the UK system of voluntary blood donation was economically, medically, and morally superior to the American system, in which many blood suppliers are paid. The argument was badly put and fiercely attacked, but substantially correct. Developments since Titmuss wrote, especially AIDS, have tragically reinforced his main point: more than half of the severe haemophiliacs in the UK have been infected with the AIDS virus, almost certainly through imported blood products. Titmuss's normative argument is reconstructed, and defended against neoclassical economists who have been his fiercest critics. Finally, policy implications are briefly discussed.

In The Gift Relationship (London: Allen & Unwin, 1970) Richard Titmuss argued that the UK system of voluntary blood donation was economically, medically, & morally superior to the US system, in which many blood suppliers are paid. The argument was badly put & fiercely attacked, but substantially correct. Developments since Titmuss wrote, especially the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, have tragically reinforced his main point: 50+% of severe hemophiliacs in the UK have been infected with the AIDS virus through imported, paid-for blood products. Titmuss's normative argument is reconstructed, & defended against neoclassical economists who have been his fiercest critics. Policy implications are briefly discussed. 2 Tables, 33 References. HA