blood donations are screened for HIV but testing only detects the virus after it's been in the bloodstream about 10 days. All blood donors take a questionnaire about their health and sexual behavior, but some gay men reportedly answer inaccurately to donate blood.Īll U.S. government suggest gay and bisexual men are actually more likely to abide by donation guidelines under a 12-month prohibition period.
Recently published studies showed no change in the safety of the blood supply after making the switch.Īdditionally, studies conducted by the U.S. Marks said some of the most compelling evidence for changing the policy comes from Australia, which put in place a one-year ban on donations over a decade ago. While the details still have to be worked out, as does a period of public comment this year, the FDA intends to institute a one-year ban it says fits in with current evidence.Īnd what evidence is that? According to the Associated Press:
Just before Christmas, the deputy director of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) told reporters that the agency had decided to lift the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have had sex with men.
