Behind the Bastards Part Two: How Tainted Human Blood Became A Major U.S. Export
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Mar 27, 2025 Ben Bowlin, a contributor to popular podcasts like Ridiculous History, joins to dive into the dark world of tainted blood donation practices. They discuss the controversial history of Arkansas prison blood donations that led to tragic health consequences for hemophiliacs. The conversation reveals the profit-driven motives behind unethical practices, touching on the absurdities of the illegal blood trade. Despite the heavy topics, humor weaves through the narrative, exposing systemic failures and the shocking realities within the healthcare system.
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The Longstaff Tragedy
- Peter Longstaff and his brother, Stephen, contracted HIV from tainted blood products.
- Stephen's death led to the family being ostracized and targeted by an AIDS-panicked mob.
Insurance Shutdown and Scapegoating
- HMA's insurer dropped them due to reckless practices, forcing the Arkansas prison plasma program to shut down.
- An outside investigation focused on HMA’s actions, not the plasma program itself, making them a scapegoat.
PBBP: A Cutout?
- Despite the shutdown, Arkansas prison officials sought a new company, Pine Bluff Biological Products (PBBP), to continue profiting from blood.
- PBBP, likely connected to Arkansas government officials, operated with minimal costs, essentially skimming profits.