GMHC Calls for FDA Blood Policy 'Based on Science, Not Stigma'

New York, NY - Monday the FDA formally released a 12-month deferral plan in the blood donation policy for gay and bisexual men, clinically referred to as "men who have sex with men" (MSM). The policy replaces a lifetime ban on gay and bisexual male blood donors with a one-year deferral for any man who has had sex with another man - meaning, gay and bisexual men must be celibate for one year before they can donate blood.

The following is a statement from Kelsey Louie, GMHC's CEO:

The FDA's 12-month deferral plan would still require gay and bisexual men to be celibate for a full year before they are allowed to donate blood, regardless of marital status and safe-sex practices. Heterosexuals are given no such restrictions, even if their sexual behavior places them at high risk for HIV. In practice, the new policy is still a continuation of the lifetime ban and ignores the modern science of HIV-testing technology while perpetuating the stereotype that all gay and bisexual men are inherently dangerous. Blood donation policies should be based on science, not stigma.

The United States government has to stop reacting to HIV like it is the early 1980s. Other countries have implemented risk-based deferral systems that reflect modern science and screen all donors for behavior that could lead to HIV transmission. Since Italy implemented this type of system in 2001, transfusion-related infections have actually decreased.

It is time for the FDA to implement a policy that is truly based on science, not blanket bans on certain groups of people. GMHC is optimistic that we can and should get to a policy that will treat gay people who want to donate blood with the dignity and respect they deserve.

This is why GMHC is proud to participate in a campaign for #BloodEquality, a bold advocacy campaign launched to stop the discrimination against prospective donors and allow everyone an equal opportunity to donate blood.