I'm O Neg, the "universal donor" blood type, and used to donate before the ban. Used to get calls from the local blood bank when they were running low because of an accident. Probably could have saved a person or two if they hadn't decided my blood was dirty.
As the medical director of a hospital blood bank, in the usual "summer shortage of units" I am saying it's time to change Question #34: Male donors: had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977?" The statistics are out there to write a more humane question that cuts across both sex lines and is more accurate in terms of statistics...and there is already a question about "Have you ever had sex with someone who had HIV?" on the form.
The problem is an age old one--overcoming one's history. At the time the question was added (1983) homosexual males were the most common source of HIV. Those demographics have since changed but it does not erase the phobia in some people's minds that "teh ghey did it."
The Canadian Medical Assn. Journal published this suggestion: "Similarly, gay men in stable, long-term monogamous relationships should be allowed to donate blood after a deferral period -- a waiting period -- of one year... Allowing this group to donate would increase the blood supply while not significantly endangering it."
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ReplyDeleteI'm O Neg, the "universal donor" blood type, and used to donate before the ban. Used to get calls from the local blood bank when they were running low because of an accident. Probably could have saved a person or two if they hadn't decided my blood was dirty.
I found myself turned away from a blood donation line on September 11th, 2001 because that "No Gays Allowed" rule
ReplyDeleteAs the medical director of a hospital blood bank, in the usual "summer shortage of units" I am saying it's time to change Question #34: Male donors: had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977?" The statistics are out there to write a more humane question that cuts across both sex lines and is more accurate in terms of statistics...and there is already a question about "Have you ever had sex with someone who had HIV?" on the form.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is an age old one--overcoming one's history. At the time the question was added (1983) homosexual males were the most common source of HIV. Those demographics have since changed but it does not erase the phobia in some people's minds that "teh ghey did it."
The Canadian Medical Assn. Journal published this suggestion: "Similarly, gay men in stable, long-term monogamous relationships should be allowed to donate blood after a deferral period -- a waiting period -- of one year... Allowing this group to donate would increase the blood supply while not significantly endangering it."