This page includes information on current policies that apply to MSM who are interested in blood donation, as well as the latest updates on efforts to expand donor eligibility. As such, AABB encourages the adoption of safe and effective donor eligibility and screening processes based on assessment of individual donor risk for all blood donors. However, other processes, such as individual donor risk assessment, may provide a safe and effective path forward for more men who have sex with men (MSM) to donate blood without risk to blood safety.ĪABB is committed to maintaining the safety of the blood supply and building a strong altruistic culture that encourages continued blood donation. In January 2017, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) updated the donor deferral criteria for gay and bisexual men donating blood, changing from a. That’s why AABB has led efforts to make blood donation inclusive of non-binary donors and continues to champion the adoption of equitable, science-based eligibility processes that welcome LGBTQ+ blood donors, strengthen the blood supply and save lives.Ĭurrent Food and Drug Administration policy allows for gay and bisexual men to donate blood 3 months after their most recent sexual contact with another man if they meet all other eligibility criteria. At AABB, we believe that the ability to save lives through blood donation should be open to as many people as possible, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Blood donors give a gift for which there is no substitute.
