Sexually active gay and bisexual men will be able to donate plasma under a change in rules by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
Previously, gay or bisexual men and transgender women who engaged in male-to-male sexual activity were restricted from donating blood or plasma if they had been sexually active in the last three months.
However, as of July 14, Lifeblood will eliminate the deferral period for plasma donations based on sexual activity for gay and bisexual men and transgender women, allowing them to donate plasma at any time.
Furthermore, the new regulations will also make it possible for individuals with new or multiple sexual partners to donate blood, provided they have not engaged in anal sex within the preceding three months.
The rule change means men will not be asked if they have had sex with another man but rather everyone will be asked the same questions regardless of their gender or sex.
”This is a significant milestone in being able to safely reduce wait times and make it easier for more people in the LGBTQIA+ community to donate,” Pink said.
“Blood safety is and always will be our top priority, but we know the current donation rules have been very difficult for many people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
“While they were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know that they’ve contributed to the stigma faced by the community.
“We hope as we move through the process of seeking to have both these changes introduced, that this will be a turning point for both Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community.”
People taking PrEP still won’t be able to donate blood despite the changes.
