FDA to Lift Ban on Gay, Bisexual Men Who Want to Donate Blood

The FDA will recommend in 2015 to lift the lifetime ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men. Since 1983, the FDA has banned any man who had sex with another man from 1977 onward from donating blood. However, aftering analyzing available scientific evidence relevant to its blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men, the FDA is recommending a change.

"This recommended change is consistent with the recommendation of an independent expert advisory panel the HHS Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability, and will better align the deferral period with that of other men and women at increased risk for HIV infection," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in a statement.

However, while the FDA is lifting the lifetime ban for men who have had sex with other men, the agency will keep in place a one-year ban after homosexual activity.

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The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/16NAENuWashington Post: http://wapo.st/1x7U5Jz