MAY 12, 2023 Update: There is good news to report! Gay and bisexual Americans were banned from donating blood in 1983, as fear and misinformation over the spread of HIV/AIDS became widespread. But now, the FDA has relaxed blood donation rules for gay and bisexual men! Thank YOU and to all who have advocated for change! For more details: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65566500

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Nearly 40 years ago, the FDA refused to allow gay men to donate blood due to fear of HIV transmission. In the decades since, treatment and testing for HIV have come a long way - the current risk of transmission via blood transfusion is about 1 in 1.5million. However, despite perpetual urgent need for donors, the FDA still will not allow gay men to donate blood unless they can guarantee they have not had sexual contact for at least 3 months. This discriminatory policy runs contrary to science, and we can help change it.

Tap this link to sign a petition: https://www.change.org/p/federal-drug-administration-end-the-discriminatory-deferral-policy-allow-gay-men-to-donate-blood

📸: Reuters