Since the 1980s the UK has set a lifetime ban that gay men are not allowed to donate blood due to the AIDs epidemic. Any man who has ever had oral or anal sex with another man, even if a condom was used, are not eligible to donate blood. Beginning November 7, any gay man who has not had sexual contact with another man in the past year will be eligible to donate blood if they also meet the criteria to donate blood. The Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) said this change will not affect the safety of the blood supply they will receive. The National Health Services Blood and Transport states on their website that they know it is frustrating to be set as a group but sometimes it is necessary in order for safety and they do not mean to offend anyone. Sometimes it is necessary to defer people due to their lifestyle. The United States looked into lifting the ban on gay men donating blood in 2010 but it did not go through.
Though there is a risk factor with gay men possibly having AIDs to place a lifetime ban is a bit drastic. There are plenty of homosexual males who do not have AIDs and it is not fair to those who are AIDs-free and would like to donate their blood. It is a good thing that somewhere in the world they are beginning to lift the ban because they see it is not immediate risk but you cannot stop someone’s lifestyle and though you have to do things in groups because there is no way you can individually check. Those who know their status should be able to donate because there are plenty of other heterosexuals who do not live the best lifestyles.
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