Calls To Donate Blood Have Risen Amid Coronavirus Crisis, But FDA Stays Firm On Gay Ban

Although calls for blood donations have increased due to the coronavirus crisis, the Food & Drug Administration continues to ban gay men from donating blood.

“At this time, FDA’s recommendations regarding blood donor deferral for men who have sex with men have not changed, but we will continue to reevaluate the situation as the outbreak progresses,” a spokesperson told the ‘Washington Blade’.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams called all Americans to donate blood, but the FDA is sticking with the ban.

“One thing we should all consider, especially our millennials and Gen Z, is donating blood,” Adams said. “As an anesthesiologist who still practices at Walter Reed, taking care of our wounded warriors and our soldiers, I know donated blood is an essential part of caring for patients, and one donation can save up to three lives. Blood centers are open now and in need of your donation.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD has called on the FDA to take action in this crisis. “The antiquated ban that still prevents gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men from donating blood must immediately be lifted by the @US_FDA,” Ellis tweeted.

Activists of lifting the gay blood ban express that the ban is unnecessary since advance testing would screen blood from HIV-positive people.

Although they are sticking with the ban, a spokesperson for the FDA made a plea for blood donors amid the coronavirus crisis stating: “FDA is aware there has been a dramatic reduction in blood and plasma donations around the country,” the spokesperson said. “The agency is working with the blood banking and source plasma industries to encourage healthy people who wish to help to donate blood. People who donate blood are like those people working in a critical infrastructure industry.”

According to the FDA, the current 12-month deferral period for “men who have sex with men” is a “first step” in a process of evaluating blood policies for all potential donors.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Canada Reduces Waiting Time for Blood Donations from Gay and Bisexual Men

Denmark to Allow Gay Men to Donate Blood After Four Month Waiting Period

Taiwan to relax laws on gay men donating blood

Israel to allow gay and bisexual men to donate blood

Gay man’s tissue donation refused because of his sexual orientation

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