In 1983, the FDA barred gay and bisexual men from donating blood. Despite a substantial increase in the accuracy of HIV testing, the FDA still upholds the ban.
The ban is discriminatory in nature. While a woman has to wait one year to donate blood after sleeping with a bisexual man, men who have made love to a man are barred for life.
When the ban was first enacted, it was justified. HIV testing often resulted in false negatives, but much more sensitive and accurate computers are used now for testing. Scientists agree that there is no longer a need for this restriction.
Every year, 219,000 pints of blood from potential donors is lost. Some may be forced to watch as their loved ones die, unable to save them due to their sexuality. Thousands of lives could be saved if the ban is lifted.