Why cant gay people donate plasma

In addition to the United States, several other countries still have lifetime bans against gay blood donors in place, including France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark.

Changes to blood and plasma donation in | Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

More recently. Despite a need for plasma donors, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted donations by men who have sex with men since due to fears of HIV transmission. The FDA eased. With the updated guidelines, most gay and bisexual men who are in a monogamous relationship with a man will no longer have to refrain from sex in order to donate blood.

Blood donation is now more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community. Many are now able to donate blood through a new inclusive screening process that expands blood donor eligibility and eliminates questions based on sexual orientation through updated FDA guidelines issued in May There may be gay men who have recovered from COVID and interested in donating their plasma, potentially with valuable antibodies in their plasma.

But, because of the current restrictions, they are unable to donate. Read the SaBTO report about the medical and scientific reasoning behind the wait. To this end, we have been working towards two approaches. Blood donation rules Safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and this is the reason we have one of the safest blood supplies in the world. Find a donor centre. More Australians will be able to donate blood and plasma following important changes to sexual activity eligibility rules confirmed by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood today.

The reason a delay period exists is due to a combination of two things: Increased risk of infection At a behavioural level, having anal sex with new or multiple partners is associated with a higher risk of acquiring blood-borne infections. Media releases and statements. The strict guidelines and testing we follow are to protect both donors and patients.

Media releases and statements. Sponsored Content by Taboola. Scientists and advocates argued that not having policies that backed science was discriminating. We appreciate that any deferral is disappointing if you want to save lives by giving blood. Your account Appointments About you Log out. This led to the FDA instituting a lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men from donating blood as well as women who have sex with men who have sex with men.

In , this was shortened to a period of 90 days of abstinence. Blood donation rules Questions we ask before you donate Research into more personalised questions Previous changes to blood donation rules Can gay men give blood?

Find out more about your eligibility to donate. Share this article. Experts said this new policy focuses on individual risk, taking into account that many donors are monogamous, test HIV negative and practice safe sex. Texas flooding: Portraits of the victims from 'hero' dad to 8-year-old twins. Unlike other countries with gender-neutral assessments, most people unable to donate blood under the updated gender-neutral rules — including because they are taking PrEP — will still be able to donate plasma in Australia without a wait time.

Share this article. Read the full recommendations for more men who have sex with men to be able to give blood. If someone gives blood during the window period, their blood could contain an infection that could be passed on to the people who receive their blood. Van Bibber said the response from the LGBTQ community has been positive with people coming forward to donate who didn't realize they were now eligible or sharing their own first-time donation experience.

On Sept. In addition, most people with new or multiple partners will also be able to donate blood if they have not had anal sex in the last 3 months.