Can Gay and Lesbian Americans Donate Blood?
Q: Dear Dr. Klein,
I have a question regarding blood donations. It is my understanding that the Red Cross still refuses to take blood from gay and lesbian donors. There is a questionnaire that must be completed by all potential donors. A single "yes" answer to any of the 25 questions makes that donor ineligible. One of the questions is about same-sex sexual activity.
Do you have any information regarding the eligibility of gays and lesbians to donate blood through the Red Cross?
Thank you,
Scott
A: Dear Scott,
The Red Cross and all other blood banks currently ban any man who has had sex with another man since 1977 from donating blood. This is in keeping with federal regulations issued by the Food and Drug Administration, which governs the safety of our nation's blood supply. This restriction was developed in an effort to stop the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
On the other hand, there is no ban on blood from lesbians under current federal regulations because they present very low health risks.
[Editor's note: First and foremost, the Human Rights Campaign believes that our nation's blood supply should be maintained and strengthened. While gay and bisexual men are not the only population prohibited from donating blood, any change in regulations must be based on sound scientific evidence. It is HRC's hope that as scientists get a clearer understanding of how certain risk behaviors can affect the prevalence of blood-borne diseases, the FDA will base its blood donation regulations on risk behaviors and not ban an entire population. HRC will continue to work with the medical and scientific communities to address this issue.]
Sincerely,
Tom Klein, M.D.
Klein is a primary care physician and specialist in HIV/AIDS. He currently practices on the north side of Chicago and is active in the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.
Oct. 31, 2001