FDA proposes allowing gay and bisexual monogamous men to donate blood ABC NEWS https://abcnews.go.com/Health/fda-proposes-allowing-gay-bisexual-monogamous-men-donate/story?id=96713732ByMary Kekatos
Video byWill Linendoll
January 27, 2023, 7:26 AM
EXCERPTS Below: (Click NEWS Link above to view entire story)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday it will ease blood donation restrictions on gay and bisexual men, including allowing those in monogamous relationships to donate.
The policy change, which was revealed in new draft guidance, comes after years of urging by public health experts, blood banks and LGBTQ advocacy groups. The new policy would address future blood shortages and remove the stigma around gay men, experts say.
Additionally, the American Red Cross and the American Medical Association have both supported a risk-based approach to donor eligibility.
Rather than a blanket ban due to sexual orientation, the relaxation of the rule would screen potential donors on their risk of contracting and transmitting HIV.
The policy change means gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships can donate without abstaining from sex as long as they test HIV negative and are practicing safe sex.
It also means the U.S. will join several Western countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Greece and the Netherlands, which have recently either dropped bans or eased restrictions.
