Blood donation question

[Prism]

I know blood banks had restrictions on gay men donating blood, but the last time I checked was awhile ago.

The only reason I ask is that a co-worker is going to donate after work for hurricane victims and invited me along. However, I wasn't sure if the ban was still in place.

Anyone know?

[MountainLaurel]

1. AFAIK

It still is.

[Prism]

3. A'right, thanks.

Bleh!

[kweerwolf]

2. There is no restriction on "gay men" giving blood ... BUT

They do ask on their questionaire something like "are you a man who has ever had sex with another man since 1980" or something like that. I guess they figured that was the "politically correct" way of eliminating gay men from giving blood.

[Prism]

4. If I remember correctly . . .

The last time I saw the questionaire, it was something like "Are you a male who has had sex with another male in the last 18 months?"

But about a year or two ago, I know they revised the restrictions to be even stricter.

Just a little frustrating, when you want to help, and you know your blood is just fine, but you still can't do anything.

[babylonsister]

6. Prism, I share your frustration. I

had cancer in 1983, have had no recurrence, and they still won't let me give blood. :( Think of all the blood they're not getting as a result.

[Prism]

7. Meh

You'd think in this day and age they'd be able to screen it in such a way that they don't have to make these broad, sweeping generalizations that results in turning away perfectly good blood.

I feel ya :hug:

[TechBear_Seattle]

9. It has nothing to do with political correctness

There are a great many men who have sex with men who do not identify as gay. There are, believe it or not, quite a few who will swear up and down that they are straight, even as they are laying on their backs wearing nothing but helium heels.

The question is meant to be as bigoted... excuse me, as inclusive as possible.

[PurgedVoter]

5. It's O.K. Prism, I'll go give blood.

I'll send the good karma your way. You reminded me, so the credit is yours. Besides, I think I get a gallon pin this time.

[Prism]

8. Thanks

I really appreciate it.

And there are few who can resist the prospect of getting a pin =)