Axios said the Red Cross implemented Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule changes approved earlier this year to allow more gay and bisexual men to donate blood.
The FDA announced in May that it would use the same questionnaire to assess all donors regardless of sexual orientation. The questionnaire asks whether potential donors have had sex with new or multiple partners in the past three months and, if so, whether they have had anal sex. during that period. The Red Cross plans to implement new rules on Monday, which could increase the number of people eligible to donate. according to to Axios. (Related: FDA panel backs offering over-the-counter contraceptives)
“Anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, who has had a new or multiple sexual partners within the past three months and who has also had anal sex within that period, from the last anal contact to blood donation You will be asked to wait 3 months.”Red Cross’ website To read.
LOUIVILLE, KY – JULY 7: A phlebotomist takes care of a blood donor’s arm at KFC YUM! Center for the Starts, Stripes and Pints Blood Donation Event on July 7, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo Credit: John Cherry/Getty Images)
Axios said the policy change was made under pressure from LGBTQ activist groups. LGBTQ activists criticized previous policies as discriminatory.
The FDA banned gay men from donating blood in the 1980s and lifted the policy in 2015. according to to the New York Times. The FDA has restricted donations from men who have had sex with men in the past year.
A Red Cross spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation that “safe and reliable blood supplies to patients in need of life-saving transfusions are of paramount importance.” “All patients should feel safe and confident that the blood they receive is safe. Years of data prove that this new eligibility screening process still ensures a safe blood supply.” increase.”
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