FDA set to make it easier for gay, bisexual men to donate blood
The U.S. plans to make it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood. The Food and Drug Administration proposed easing restrictions on groups that typically face higher risks of HIV. The agency wants to drop the three-month abstinence requirement for donations from men who have sex with men. Donors would instead be screened with a questionnaire that evaluates individual risks for HIV, including sexual behavior. As a result, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships could soon be able to donate blood for the first time in decades. The U.S. and other countries began restricting blood donations during the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. Associated Press
FDA set to make it easier for gay, bisexual men to donate blood

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

FDA set to make it easier for gay, bisexual men to donate blood

The FDA has proposed a new screening process that would ask people of all genders donating blood about their sexual history.

The U.S. plans to make it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood. The Food and Drug Administration proposed easing restrictions on groups that typically face higher risks of HIV. The agency wants to drop the three-month abstinence requirement for donations from men who have sex with men. Donors would instead be screened with a questionnaire that evaluates individual risks for HIV, including sexual behavior. As a result, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships could soon be able to donate blood for the first time in decades. The U.S. and other countries began restricting blood donations during the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. Associated Press
By Lynnea Domienik

A lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood was instituted in 1985, when HIV was poorly understood, equating sexual orientation with being high risk for spreading HIV. Advocates have called for a scientific, individual risk assessment approach for donors for decades. Canada and the United Kingdom already have similar blood donation policies.

Reset hears from people affected by the lifetime ban about how they’re reacting to the news, and what stigmas remain.

GUESTS: Dr. Anu Hazra, infectious disease specialist at the University of Chicago

Jim Pickett, senior advisor with AVAC, Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention

Luke Romesberg, director of Youth Housing Program at the Center on Halsted

Jennifer Brier, professor of history and gender and women’s studies, UIC

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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

FDA set to make it easier for gay, bisexual men to donate blood
The U.S. plans to make it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood. The Food and Drug Administration proposed easing restrictions on groups that typically face higher risks of HIV. The agency wants to drop the three-month abstinence requirement for donations from men who have sex with men. Donors would instead be screened with a questionnaire that evaluates individual risks for HIV, including sexual behavior. As a result, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships could soon be able to donate blood for the first time in decades. The U.S. and other countries began restricting blood donations during the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. Associated Press
FDA set to make it easier for gay, bisexual men to donate blood

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

FDA set to make it easier for gay, bisexual men to donate blood

The FDA has proposed a new screening process that would ask people of all genders donating blood about their sexual history.

The U.S. plans to make it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood. The Food and Drug Administration proposed easing restrictions on groups that typically face higher risks of HIV. The agency wants to drop the three-month abstinence requirement for donations from men who have sex with men. Donors would instead be screened with a questionnaire that evaluates individual risks for HIV, including sexual behavior. As a result, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships could soon be able to donate blood for the first time in decades. The U.S. and other countries began restricting blood donations during the AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. Associated Press
By Lynnea Domienik

A lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood was instituted in 1985, when HIV was poorly understood, equating sexual orientation with being high risk for spreading HIV. Advocates have called for a scientific, individual risk assessment approach for donors for decades. Canada and the United Kingdom already have similar blood donation policies.

Reset hears from people affected by the lifetime ban about how they’re reacting to the news, and what stigmas remain.

GUESTS: Dr. Anu Hazra, infectious disease specialist at the University of Chicago

Jim Pickett, senior advisor with AVAC, Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention

Luke Romesberg, director of Youth Housing Program at the Center on Halsted

Jennifer Brier, professor of history and gender and women’s studies, UIC

More From

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons