FDA Updates Blood Donation Guidelines for LGBTQ+ Men

Despite recent changes allowing gay and bisexual men to donate blood and organs, FDA restrictions still prevent them from donating tissue like corneas. Advocates, including Sheryl J. Moore, whose son’s corneas were rejected after his death, argue these rules are outdated and discriminatory. They call for the deferral period to be reduced from five years to 90 days, aligning tissue donation guidelines with those for blood and organ donations. The FDA has yet to act on proposed changes despite scientific advancements that minimize HIV transmission risks.