We continue to assist in evaluating alternative donor eligibility criteria and the expanded use of new technologies to work toward elimination of donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation that would no longer be necessary. We are committed to working with partners toward achieving this goal. "The Red Cross recognizes the hurt this policy has caused to many in the LGBTQ+ community and believes blood donation eligibility should not be determined by methods that are based upon sexual orientation. Keith Paul, Regional Communications Director, American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, provided this statement and following press release: That blood can mean life or death for people in dire medical situations. senators is asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove a ban that prevents men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood. This is all coming about because COVID and the winter has led to a more-than 60 percent decline in blood donations. Current rules state that men who have sex with men must wait three months from their last sexual encounter before donating blood. Scientists now say a 10 day or two-week wait is good enough.
The American Red Cross which operates under the FDA follows the policies and. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said it would loosen some of the restrictions that have blocked gay and bisexual men from donating blood. Men who have not had sex with other men in the past 12 months will be able to donate blood starting from late this month, the Hong Kong Red Cross has announced. The rule today is that gay men have to abstain from sex for 90 days after their most recent sexual activity to be eligible to donate. The American Red Cross supports that sexual orientation should not be a determinant for donating blood, but the FDA, which regulates all blood centers and all blood organizations right now, which includes the American Red Cross, still requires a three month deferral for men who have sex with other men. LGBTQ men cannot donate blood for three months after their last sexual. To ensure the safety of blood and other tissues for donation, the FDA uses scientific data to automatically defer certain populations. So, roll up a sleeve, show us your ink and give the gift of life. To learn more about eligibility criteria for donating blood, visit or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-80). The Red Cross has previously said the same thing. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation. Now some members in Congress, as well as scientists, say the screening of blood is so accurate, gay and bi-sexual men should be allowed to donate blood sooner than is currently allowed. Earlier this month, the American Red Cross said it’s facing the worst blood shortage in almost a decade.