'This announcement by the FDA reduces the waiting period of time to 3 months and shrinks its untenable, virtual ‘ban’ on blood donations for gay and bi+ men,' said David.
“While this change by the FDA is a step in the right direction, it still bases itself in bias rather than science,' said HRC President Alphonso David. The pro-LGBT Human Rights Campaign also was not very pleased with the FDA's revised position. 'There is no reason to keep the ban in effect, period.” 'This is a slap in the face to both LGBTQ+ communities and the many who will need blood and plasma transfusions during this crisis,' said Johns. There is still a blanket ban on sexually active gay, bisexual, and same gender loving men.'
Though the waiting period may have changed, the policy has not. In a statement released on April 2, Johns said, “This is stigma and discrimination at work. If a potential blood donor is deferred for three months, he is allowed to come back and try again, provided he meets the 'donor eligibility criteria.'ĭavid Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, a pro-LGBT group, was not happy with the new FDA rules.
