FDA Says No to Gay Men Giving Blood

Gay men remain banned for life from donating blood, the government said Wednesday, leaving in place — for now — a 1983 prohibition meant to prevent the spread of HIV through transfusions.

The Food and Drug Administration reiterated its long-standing policy on its Web site Wednesday, more than a year after the Red Cross and two other blood groups criticized the policy as “medically and scientifically unwarranted.”

“I am disappointed, I must confess,” said Dr. Celso Bianco, executive vice president of America’s Blood Centers, whose members provide nearly half the nation’s blood supply.

Before giving blood, all men are asked if they have had sex, even once, with another man since 1977. Those who say they have are permanently banned from donating. The FDA said those men are at increased risk of infection by HIV that can be transmitted to others by blood transfusion.

I’ve witnessed this debate on campus numerous times. To be honest, it isn’t an issue that I completely understand. I mean, are “blood groups” incapable of testing the blood after donation? Because if they are not, I am totally uncomfortable with the idea of heterosexual sorostitutes (sorority girls who sleep around for kicks) being able to give blood to just anyone. Or, what if someone does not fess up to having some sort of disease, or being homosexual, or sharing needles, etc? There has to be a Plan B for discovering bad blood, right? I don’t know.

Either way, from all the whining, crying, and blubbering in this article, one would think that gay men are the people in the world not allowed to give blood.

Critics of the exclusionary policy said it bars potential healthy donors, despite the increasing need for donated blood, and discriminates against gays. The FDA recognized the policy defers many healthy donors but rejected the suggestion it’s discriminatory.

Anyone who’s used intravenous drugs or been paid for sex also is permanently barred from donating blood. (emphasis mine)

Excuse me? Who is crying out against this blatant discrimination against druggies and prostitutes? Who are you to automatically say their behavior is dangerous and unhealthy?