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When donating blood, you are forbidden if you are a man who has participated in anal or oral sex with another man (with or without a condom) or if you are a woman who has had sex with a man who had performed the above.
This is based on archaic belief that homosexuality is synonymous with a carrier of HIV or another Sexually Transmitted Infection. The fact remains that a heterosexual performing unprotected promiscuity could donate blood unquestioned, while a faithful homosexual male who uses protection could not.
It would seem wise therefore to base the suitability of a donor on screening for infection; as opposed to innate sexual preferences. This unjustifiable rule is preventing many from performing an altruistic action that may save lives in a time when blood donations are so desperately needed.
When donating blood, you are forbidden if you are a man who has participated in anal or oral sex with another man (with or without a condom) or if you are a woman who has had sex with a man who had performed the above.
This is based on archaic belief that homosexuality is synonymous with a carrier of HIV or another Sexually Transmitted Infection. The fact remains that a heterosexual performing unprotected promiscuity could donate blood unquestioned, while a faithful homosexual male who uses protection could not.
It would seem wise therefore to base the suitability of a donor on screening for infection; as opposed to innate sexual preferences. This unjustifiable rule is preventing many from performing an altruistic action that may save lives in a time when blood donations are so desperately needed.