MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on research on artificial blood

11.1.2017

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Mireille D’Ornano

B8-0115/2017

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on research on artificial blood

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas 108 million units of blood are collected every year around the world, yet many patients do not have access to safe blood in a timely manner and this shortage has particularly grave consequences for soldiers, as 70% of deaths during service are due to haemorrhages and not fatal wounds;

B.  whereas several studies carried out over a period of around 80 years have attempted to produce artificial blood without success but a study by Washington University (Saint-Louis, United States) from December 2016 was able to develop artificial blood cells from purified human haemoglobin which could be stored in powder form;

1.  Urges the Commission and Member States to support research on artificial blood in order to find similar solutions to those listed in point B of this resolution.