Why does the Red Cross not allow blood donations from gay males?
Blood is a drug and must be prescribed by a physician. The American Red Cross and all other blood collection organizations in the US must follow all regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration, without exception. While the FDA periodically reviews the current lifetime deferral for men who have had sex with other men, its stance on this issue remains in effect at this time. The American Red Cross has petitioned the FDA, in collaboration with the AABB and America’s Blood Centers, to modify this deferral criteria and make it comparable with criteria for other groups at increased risk for sexual transmission of transfusion-transmitted infections. We will continue to strongly support the use of rational, scientifically-based deferral periods that are applied fairly and consistently among potential donors who engage in activities of similar risk.
Blood is a drug and must be prescribed by a physician. The American Red Cross and all other blood collection organizations in the US must follow all regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration, without exception. While the FDA periodically reviews the current lifetime deferral for men who have had sex with other men, its stance on this issue remains in effect at this time. The American Red Cross has petitioned the FDA, in collaboration with the AABB and America’s Blood Centers, to modify this deferral criteria and make it comparable with criteria for other groups at increased risk for sexual transmission of transfusion-transmitted infections. We will continue to strongly support the use of rational, scientifically-based deferral periods that are applied fairly and consistently among potential donors who engage in activities of similar risk. Unless and until the FDA changes its position on this matter, the American Red Cross and all other blood banks must continue to indef
