U.S.A. Democratic Representatives Introduce New Resolution To End Blood Ban For Queer Men

U.S.A. Democratic House representatives have introduced a new resolution to end deferral periods for queer men wanting to donate blood.

The resolution was introduced by Representatives Adam Schiff, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Barbara Lee and Carolyn Maloney, abolishing discrimination against the LGBT+ community with the use of scientific criteria for individual risk assessments.

“Our nation faces a severe blood shortage, which has been exacerbated by the [global] pandemic. Now more than ever we need to remove any impediment that needlessly prevents Americans from donating blood to help save lives,” said Schiff.

“There is a large contingent of healthy people that are able and willing to donate blood and plasma, but antiquated regulations prevent them from doing so. It’s long-past time these changes were made, especially during the current global crisis,” he added.

In a joint statement, Maloney and Ocasio-Cortez stated: “While shortening the deferral period for gay and bisexual men is a good first step, it is critical that FDA move toward assessing potential donors by individual risk, rather than blanket deferral.

“A policy that fails to do this perpetuates stigma and falls short of ensuring that every person who can safely donate blood in the United States has the opportunity to do so.”

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US reduced the deferral period, requiring men who have sex with men be celibate, from one year to three months as a result of pressure introduced by LGBT+ organisations during the coronavirus pandemic.

As ‘Queer Forty’ reports, the new resolution has been praised by LGBT+ organisations and medical experts.

“Lambda Legal is pleased to see members of Congress pushing the FDA to further modify blood donation criteria to eliminate discrimination against gay and bisexual men,” said Scott Schoettes, Counsel and HIV Project Director at Lambda Legal.

“A shorter deferral period applied to all people engaged in certain risk behaviors, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, will create a truly nondiscriminatory policy.

“Lambda Legal looks forward to the adoption of an individualized risk assessment for every potential blood donor, thereby ensuring a safe and abundant blood supply,” he added.

HRC President Alphonso David said: “Federal policy for donating blood should be based on science, not based on fear and bias.

“As the global pandemic wears on, we must continue to push the federal government to change this policy, which is not only discriminatory but undermines efforts to support and protect our communities.”

Read the full resolution here.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Hungary Drops Ban On Gay And Bi Men Donating Blood

Brazil’s Supreme Court Lifts Restrictions On Gay And Bi Men Donating Blood

Blood Donation Rules For Gay And Bi Men To Be Relaxed In Northern Ireland

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

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

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