Gay and bisexual men will soon be able to donate blood and plasma
The FDA classifies all gay men in the highest-risk blood-donor category -- the same category as IV drug users and people who've spent more than five years since in a country that has mad cow. Robbie Goldstein donated blood two weeks ago for the first time in his life. Both have devoted their lives to medicine and public service. Blood donation policy is updated, allowing gay and bisexual
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. 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. A New Era Begins For Blood Donation By Gay Men
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. Many gay and bisexual men have been excluded from donating blood and plasma the liquid portion of blood for decades because of rules developed during the HIV crisis in the s. This opens donation pathways for many gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men. 
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. David Dassey is one of the healthiest men in Los Angeles. At 62, he can still run a sub-four marathon.
Banned for life
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. The pandemic caused a drop in donations and now things have reached a crisis level. But despite the deep need for more people to donate blood and plasma , mind you , men who have sex with men MSM are still subject to a three month period of celibacy before they donate.
More gay and bisexual men will now be able to donate blood
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. . 
Why are we still rejecting blood donations from gay men?
This world-first “plasma pathway” policy will allow most people, including gay and bisexual men, to donate plasma immediately regardless of sexual activity, provided they meet other criteria. .
Breaking down barriers to blood donation for LGBTQ+ people
First, some historical context. In , the F.D.A. imposed a ban on accepting blood donations from gay and bisexual men because of the AIDS epidemic. .