We the undersigned take a stand against the FDA policy that defers "Men who have sex with men" from donating blood, a policy that has been in effect since 1983 and only updated once in 1992. The policy currently states: "Men who have had sex with other men at any time since 1977 are currently deferred as blood donors." Not only is this policy outdated and discriminating, it also limits the life-saving blood supply.
We hereby propose and demand the following:
(1) That the FDA immediately remove the policy.
(2) That more extensive tests for HIV/AIDS be available for those at high risk when donating blood.
(3) That the FDA put in place a policy protecting an individual's right to donate blood regardless of sexual orientation, race, or gender.
(Proposed by the Bend the Ban movement.)