The FDA’s continued restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men send a message that, despite everything we know about science, some of us are not equal. This is a policy that’s time has come and gone. To be eligible to donate blood in the United States, men who have sex with men must abstain from same-sex sexual activity for 90 days. Yet current Food and Drug Administration guidance, updated in April 2020, does not reflect these realities. Today, the risk for acquiring HIV infection through blood transfusion is estimated conservatively to be one in 1.5 million (based on 2007-08 data). During the screening process, any blood products that contain HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or syphilis are disposed of before entering the blood supply chain. International health guidelines require all blood products to be tested for viruses such as HIV, and in most countries, rigorous testing procedures are in place. Because of who we are, whom we love.įorty years into the HIV/AIDS crisis, science has made it possible to ensure the safety of our blood supply. Or undeserving of answering the call to help in this moment of crisis. » READ MORE: Low supply of donated blood is a ‘crisis,’ Red Cross saysĭespite society’s scientific advancements, some people are still seen as vectors of disease. Leaders called for more blood donations, for all communities to do their part and donate to save lives.Įxcept for gay men, who are still told, “But not you.” Due to the pandemic, blood is in such dangerously low supply that some hospitals have been forced to postpone significant surgeries, including organ transplants. Last week the Red Cross sounded the alarm, alerting the nation about the worst blood shortage in more than a decade. If you have more questions, email Donate Life Northwest.When national tragedy strikes, gay and bisexual men are denied the right to help our community due to outdated restrictions on blood donations that prevent us from participating in this vital community service. Ready to register as a donor? You can do that here. A person who is transgender or non-binary can register and become a donor regardless of whether or not they are having or have completed medical procedures. There are no gender-based restrictions on donation. There are currently more than 200 people living with HIV who are waiting on the transplant waiting list in the U.S.Ĭan a person undergoing gender transition or who identifies as non-binary register and be a donor?
Every time a donor under the HOPE Act saves the life of a person on the waitlist, everyone else on the waitlist moves “up” even faster. Something special about the HOPE Act is that by expanding the number of people who can be organ donors, everyone can receive a transplant faster. The HOPE Act allows people living with HIV to be organ donors to people on the transplant list who are also living with HIV. The HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act was passed in 2013. Now, with better medications and advancements in transplant, we are able to help both potential organ recipients AND potential organ donors who are also HCV+ or HIV+ to save the life of someone on the list who is also positive for the same treatable condition. People living with treatable conditions, like Hepatitis C, B, and HIV, can all receive transplants. Yes! If you want to help others through the gift of donation at the time of your death, register to be a donor and let the medical professionals determine what you can give to help others. If I am living with HIV, can I be an organ donor? have been both living and deceased organ donors, and the transplants they made possible have saved countless lives. These limitations are NOT the same for organ donation-gay men in the U.S. As of now, the FDA, which oversees blood and tissue donation, has regulations in place which can limit what can be donated by gay men. Organ and tissue donation are regulated by different federal standards. Is it the same for organs, eyes, and tissues? Race, gender, or sexual orientation of the donor or recipient is never considered in regards to matching. Transgender, regardless of the person's physical anatomy or appearanceĪnyone can be a donor organs are matched based on body size, blood type, medical urgency, and geographic location.Questioning their sexual identity or orientation.
Yes! Anyone can sign up, regardless of who they love or how they express themselves! Registration is open to everyone, including those who are: And you can register online! Do you have specific questions? See below for some answers to frequently asked questions.Ĭan I register as a donor if I identify as LGBTQ+? Although blood donation may not be possible for some people in the LGBTQ+ community, organ donation is!Įveryone can sign up to be a donor.