Call for change regarding blood donation rules

Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STDs) is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. As long as a person is practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly, then they should feel confident that they are healthy and unlikely to pass a disease on to a partner. Regardless of this, there has been a ban in the UK for years which keeps men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood. Now, officials report that this may change.

Years ago, when this ban was put into place, many people were unaware how HIV and other STDs were transmitted. Since there was a high prevalence of MSM that were infected with the disease, rules were put in place to ensure that anyone with a high risk of being infected wouldn't donate blood and potentially spread the disease.

Since then, there have been many advancements made regarding the detection of STDs in the blood and people have become more informed. As a result, the ban may no longer be necessary.

Researchers have found that many people believe this current ban to be unfair and discriminatory. UK officials are considering implementing a deferral period, meaning MSM would have to wait a certain amount of time (6 months to a year) after having sex with a man before they would be eligible to donate blood.