ORLANDO, Fla. — Gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships can give blood in the U.S. without abstaining from sex under new, updated FDA rules.
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The change eases decades-old restrictions designed to protect the blood supply from HIV.
The new policy, which is now in effect, will allow all potential donors to be screened individually for HIV risk, regardless of sexual orientation.
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“This really is a momentous moment,” said Susan Forbes with OneBlood.
The former FDA policy required gay and bisexual men to wait three months after their last sexual contact with another man to donate blood.
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The new policy instead requires all potential donors to be screened equally. They must now assess their risk of HIV.
Experts estimate the new policy is expected to increase the number of eligible donors by an estimated 2 million people.
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