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US FDA moves to ease rules for blood donations from men who have sex with men

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  1. kfwyre
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    I have never donated blood before. I’m excited that I’ll (hopefully) be able to do so soon.

    The U.S. is moving to further ease restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men and other groups that typically face higher risks of HIV.

    The Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced draft guidelines that would do away with the current three-month abstinence requirement for donations from men who have sex with men. Instead, all potential donors would be screened with a new questionnaire that evaluates their individual risks for HIV based on sexual behavior, recent partners and other factors.

    If finalized, many gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships would be able to donate blood for the first time in decades. It’s the latest move by the FDA to broaden donor eligibility, with the potential to boost donations.

    I have never donated blood before. I’m excited that I’ll (hopefully) be able to do so soon.

    4 votes