Blood donations are down
If you are a gay man, and you answer that question truthfully, the result is a lifetime ban. "Occasionally I see calls on TV for blood donations," Dassey says. Many people need blood transfusions—in fact, the American Red Cross estimates that someone in the U. And more than half of all centers have less than a three-day stockpile for times of crisis. HRC
With the updated guidelines, most gay and bisexual men who are in a monogamous relationship with a man will no longer have to refrain from sex in order to donate blood. Ayako Miyashita does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. The U. Gay men can now donate blood after FDA changes
Learn about federal regulations related to blood donation by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Gender non-conforming (LGBTQ+) individuals. David Dassey is one of the healthiest men in Los Angeles. At 62, he can still run a sub-four marathon. Banned for life
Gay and bisexual men face a time-based ban on giving blood. But fairer practices could help save over a million people a year without the risk of spreading HIV. In , the FDA updated its guidance around blood donation eligibility. One month into his freshman year at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N. Discrimination Keeps Many Gay Men From Donating Blood
They couldn’t donate their own blood. Both men are gay, and gay men in America have been banned from blood donations since the mids. Robbie Goldstein donated blood two weeks ago for the first time in his life. Both have devoted their lives to medicine and public service. 
Why Are Gay Men Banned From Donating Blood?
The FDA’s decision to allow gay men to donate blood is a significant victory for equity and inclusion, but it is only the beginning. .
LGBTQ+ Blood Donors
Discrimination Still Keeps Many Gay and Bisexual Men From Donating Blood In , the FDA updated its guidance around blood donation eligibility. Here’s why advocates say the restrictions are. .
Blood donation policy is updated, allowing gay and bisexual
Resources Health & Aging HIV & Health Equity Blood Donations Produced by the HRC Foundation In January , the Biden administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a significant step toward dismantling antiquated and discriminatory policy preventing gay and bisexual men from donating blood. .