Gay and bisexual men say they should be able to give blood
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Gay and bisexual men are banned from giving blood in the United States but now activists are pushing for change.
At a National Gay Blood Drive event Friday in Durham, eligible donors showed up to take a stance against the ban at the offices of the Red Cross.
"The reason for the drive is to raise awareness on a ban that was put in place in 1983 by the FDA during the height of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, and it bans specifically, gay and bisexual men from donating blood," explained Henry Amador with the LGBTQ Center of Durham.
Amador said the ban is antiquated.
"Blood is being tested differently now. We know now it's not just gay and bi men that can contract HIV and pass it on. Obviously, it's much larger than that," he said.
The national effort is also pushing for at least 100,000 signatures petitioning for a change of policy. The group held the blood drive by signing up eligible donors - with the support of the Red Cross.
They and two other organizations issued a joint statement - saying:
"The safety of volunteer blood donors and the ultimate recipients of blood is our top priority. Blood donation eligibility in the U.S. is determined by the FDA and all blood centers are required to follow the rules and regulations set by the agency."
But, they also say they believe the rules should be modified - saying:
"We strongly support the use of rational, science-based deferral periods that are applied fairly and consistently among blood donors who engage in similar risk activities."
The National Gay Blood Drive signed up about 20 eligible donors Friday in Durham. And while that number is small, they said they believe the drive was successful and they're hoping their petition will be successful.
