Here’s the situation:
According to the American Red Cross, blood shortages in the United States have reached crisis proportions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.1
Despite these circumstances, the FDA still prohibits sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating blood. This antiqued policy is not based on current science, undermines efforts to stabilize our nation’s blood supply, and perpetuates the stigmatization of the LGBTQIA+ community.
If the FDA were to reverse this ban and allow gay and bisexual men to donate blood regardless of their sexual activity, up to 615,300 pints of blood could potentially be added to the system each year.2
That’s why Alexandria is joining Rep. Carolyn Maloney in urging the FDA to revisit its current policy, so that every person who wishes to donate blood safely in the United States has the opportunity to do so.
Currently, the FDA states that it has no specific timeline or plan to change its policy, which is why it’s so important that we show urgent support for lifting this ban.
The FDA’s current policy dates back to the 1980s when gay and bisexual men were considered to be at high risk for HIV and AIDS transmission.3 But while important advances in blood screening and safety technology have been made, this policy has remained unchanged.
The fact is that policies like these continue to stigmatize the LGBTQIA+ community while blocking public health advances, and it’s time for change.
In solidarity,
Team AOC
P.S. Did you know there is a national blood crisis? The nation’s dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants. If you can help by donating blood, click here to make an appointment with the Red Cross to give blood.
1, 2 - Consumer Reports
3 - The Hill
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