FDA Lifts Restrictions on Blood Donations for Blood Center Employees

Under new federal guidelines finalized in May, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships can now donate blood at many blood centers without abstaining from sex. The guidelines, which put the emphasis on sexual activity rather than sexual orientation, aim to reverse restrictions that were seen as discriminatory. About half of the 16 independent blood bank organizations in the Alliance for Community Transfusion Services have implemented the new guidelines, with more expected to follow next year. The change has been welcomed by many in the LGBTQ+ community who can now contribute to the blood supply and support the mission of blood centers.