Premium Content:

England and Scotland reduce waiting time for gay men to donate blood

The UK government has announced major changes to its rules over who can donate blood.

- Advertisement -

Under the new procedures gay men  in England and Scotland will only have to abstain from sex for three months, previously they had to wait a full year before being able to donate blood.

Sex workers will also be allowed to give blood under the same guidelines, previously they were not permitted to give blood at all.

The recommendations were accepted after authorities argued that the technology in screening donations for HIV, Hepatitis and other blood-borne infections had significantly improved.

The government authority that sets the guidelines for blood donations has also recommended that more work be put into a process where individual risk assessments were undertaken rather than a blanket rule for all gay men.

The changes will be implemented by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) in November and similar changes are expected to be rolled out in England in early 2018.

The decision has been welcomed by LGBTI rights advocates.

Scott Cuthbertson, from LGBTI charity Equality Network, told the BBC that the rule changes were a “significant step forward” and would allow more gay and bisexual men to donate blood.

“We remain concerned, however, that many low risk gay and bisexual men, for example those in monogamous relationships, will still not be allowed to donate under this new policy,” Cutherbertson said.

“Crucially as part of these rule changes SNBTS have committed to explore ways in which a more personalised risk assessment could be introduced.

“I’m pleased to have been asked by SNBTS to be a member of a new sub-group which will look at how an individual risk assessment, rather than a blanket deferment, could be made a reality.”

Currently in Australia gay men and other men who have sex with men must abstain from sexual activity for a full year before being allowed to donate blood. A review of Australia’s blood donation rules is currently underway.

OIP Staff


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

 

Latest

On This Gay Day | In 2017 Karina Okotel said many marriage equality supporters were racist

The claims from the Liberal Party's Victorian Vice President were one of the more memorable moments of the campaign.

City of Perth seeks nominations for its LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group

Can you help make Perth a more inclusive city?

Voting is now open for the 2025 Proud Awards

Cast your vote for your favourite entertainers, DJs, shows and events.

Manchester serial rapist sentenced to life in prison

Algerian national Sid Ali Djelid will be behind bars for at least 16 years.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | In 2017 Karina Okotel said many marriage equality supporters were racist

The claims from the Liberal Party's Victorian Vice President were one of the more memorable moments of the campaign.

City of Perth seeks nominations for its LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group

Can you help make Perth a more inclusive city?

Voting is now open for the 2025 Proud Awards

Cast your vote for your favourite entertainers, DJs, shows and events.

Manchester serial rapist sentenced to life in prison

Algerian national Sid Ali Djelid will be behind bars for at least 16 years.

PICNIC Festival: Perth’s newest party coming to South Perth foreshore

A new festival to kick off the summer is taking over the South Perth foreshore this November.

On This Gay Day | In 2017 Karina Okotel said many marriage equality supporters were racist

The claims from the Liberal Party's Victorian Vice President were one of the more memorable moments of the campaign.

City of Perth seeks nominations for its LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group

Can you help make Perth a more inclusive city?

Voting is now open for the 2025 Proud Awards

Cast your vote for your favourite entertainers, DJs, shows and events.