New FDA rules are meant to make it easier for gay men to donate blood, but advocates say one rule continues to exclude some potential donors.
The FDA announced that moving forward, blood donor eligibility will be determined via individual risk-based assessment questionnaires, regardless of one's background, gender or sexual orientation. This update in policy marks the latest chapter in the FDA's removal of restrictions that have historically prevented gay and bisexual men from donating blood.
With time-based referrals now eliminated, Forbes says blood centers across the country are excited about the opportunity to shore up the blood supply, which took a hard hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and is relied upon in emergencies. "Together, the three of us enrolled over 1,600 gay and bisexual men into the advanced study. And the data from that study was provided to the FDA. And it actually played a role. And it was a big part of their decision making by the FDA to move to this individual assessment of all donors," Forbes said.
"The FDA is saying if you take PrEP and therefore have essentially no risk of HIV, you cannot donate. But if you stop taking PrEP and put yourself at risk of HIV, then you're allowed to donate. It makes no sense. And it will continue to exclude a massive number of gay men from donating," Weiner said.
"As a gay man who takes PrEP, I can tell you for me and everyone I know, we're not going to do anything. None of us wants to put the blood supply at risk," Wiener said."I will say, though, that our blood collection policies are still based on the honor system. Anyone can fill out the questionnaire, the individualized questionnaire they've come up with any way they want.
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