The FDA Recommends Ending the Ban on Blood Donations from Gay Men

The FDA recently recommended ending the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have had sex with men. The FDA is in the process of drafting guidance to change the deferral period to one year since the last sexual contact, which is consistent with other activities that pose similar risks of transfusion-transmitted infections. This change is supported by scientific evidence and recommendations from the AABB, American’s Blood Centers, the American Red Cross and also the Department of Health of Human Services Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability.

Reference
1. FDA Statement. FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg’s statement on FDA’s blood donor deferral policy for men who have had sex with men, December 23, 2014. Accessed online January 7, 2015.  http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm427843.htm