Red Cross Implements New FDA Guidance Allowing Some Gay and Bisexual Men to Donate Blood Based on Individual Risk Factors

The FDA has updated its blood donation policy to allow some gay and bisexual men to donate blood based on individual risk assessments rather than blanket restrictions.
The Red Cross will no longer automatically defer gay and bisexual men and will instead screen all donors for high-risk sexual activities.
The new policy replaces time-based deferrals for men who have sex with men with risk-based deferral questions for all donors.
Some advocates argue that restrictions on individuals taking PrEP are still discriminatory and not based fully on science.
While not perfect, the Red Cross sees the new FDA guidance as an important step towards a more inclusive and equitable blood donation process.