The FDA has announced a landmark change to its blood donation policy for gay, bisexual, and queer men amid the coronavirus pandemic
In its statement the FDA cited “unprecedented challenges to the U.S. blood supply” brought on by the coronavirus.
“At the FDA, we want to do everything we can to encourage more blood donations, which includes revisiting and updating some of our existing policies to help ensure we have an adequate blood supply, while still protecting the safety of our nation’s blood supply,” the statement reads in part.
It’s worth noting that these changes are only expected to remain in place for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, although the agency said it will consider “any appropriate changes based on comments we receive and our experience implementing the [new] guidances.” The revision comes weeks after LGBTQ advocacy groups like HRC and GLAAD began urging the FDA to reconsider its policy. GLAAD
targeting the agency’s “outdated and discriminatory” guidelines for gay and bisexual men hoping to donate blood.
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