FDA proposes new blood donation policy that would allow more gay, bisexual men to donate blood

SILVER SPRING, Md — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a new proposal on Friday that would make it easier for gay and bisexual men to donate blood.

The FDA said this proposal is in line with policies in place in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada.

This proposal was made after the FDA reviewed data and information from other countries with similar HIV epidemiology, along with factoring the U.S.’ current blood supply.

“Whether it’s for someone involved in a car accident or for an individual with a life-threatening illness, blood donations save lives every day,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Maintaining a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products in the U.S. is paramount for the FDA, and this proposal for an individual risk assessment, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, will enable us to continue using the best science to do so.” roposal, there will be no more.

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Currently, there is a three-month deferral policy where gay and bisexual men are supposed to remain celibate before donating flooding. This deferral period would be eliminated with this new proposal.

The current donor history questionnaire would be revised to ask all prospective donors about new or multiple sexual partners in the past three months.

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“Our approach to this work has always been, and will continue to be, based on the best available science and data. Over the years, this data-driven process has enabled us to revise our policies thereby increasing those eligible to donate blood while maintaining appropriate safeguards to protect recipients,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

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