By John Mack Freeman
In a seeming reversal from public discussions in previous weeks, the FDA has decided to change their policy on blood donations for men who have sex with men. The current ban is a lifetime deferment, but this change will make it permissible for men who have not had sex with men in the last 12 months to donate blood. This would bring the United States in line with several other western countries, including the United Kingdom. The policy recommendation will be drafted in final language during the spring of 2015, and a period of public comment will open at that time. We will keep you posted as to when and where you can make your voice heard.
While this is clearly a victory, it is not a total win. Many activists are frustrated that while this ban on paper seems to be more lenient, it still results in a de facto ban on much of the gay and bisexual male population due to the long period of abstention needed to qualify for blood donations.