In 1977 the FDA instituted a ban on blood donations from any male who had sex with another male (MSM). The intent was to prevent the spread of HIV, an untraceable and deadly virus at the time. However, modern tests for HIV are highly accurate and quick. In fact, all blood donations are currently tested for HIV irrespective of their source.
Despite these facts, the FDA continues to ban MSM individuals from donating. What began as disease control has become an unnecessary and discriminatory policy targeting gay and bisexual men, the majority of which don't engage in high risk behavior.
The American Red Cross, LifeShare, America’s Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Medical Association all oppose the FDA's policy and we would like to see the Obama Administration do the same.