The Unites States is joining countries like the United Kingdom and Canada in easing its blood donation restrictions. Why doesn't Australia?
campaign spokesperson Rodney Croome said it also highlighted how Australia was "slipping further and further behind best practice"."It sends a message that gay and bisexual men are a threat to public health, and our contribution to saving the lives of others isn't welcome. That's a very stigmatising message — it's basically that we're still second class citizens.
Restrictions for gay and bisexual men were introduced in the 1980s at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic over concerns of transmission through transfusion. You may also need to wait to donate if you’ve had sex with a new partner who lives or lived overseas, depending on the level of HIV risk in that country.How are Australia's blood donation rules changed?
Earlier this year, Lifeblood made a submission to the TGA proposing all sexual activity rules be removed for plasma donation, including for those taking PrEP. Mr Croome said while any increase in Australia's blood product supply would be welcome, other countries' experiences showed removing rules for plasma donation didn't address the main problem.
"Israel and Canada abandoned that pathway very quickly, and both countries moved on to allowing gay men to donate whole blood."Lifeblood recently established a research advisory panel to decide whether to recommend individual risk assessment for blood donations, and if so, how it could be best adapted to suit Australia.
"The countries that typically have implemented individual risk assessment have a more even distribution of HIV across the population."Dolly's job has never been more dangerous than it is now. She's refusing to let it stop her
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