Finally fair blood donation rules.

[SimonJT]

Six years ago a small group of volunteers set up a campaign, we had no idea if anyone would listen to or even notice us.

But today we can finally announce that we did it!

Thanks to the continuous work of Freedom to donate (and mainly Ethan Spibey) and with the support of FAIR and Unilads illegal bloodbank, our goal of a fair blood donation policy is finally here!

Not only will this increase the number of suitable donors, but men can donate more regularly, we’re often more suitable platelet donors and our blood typically has fewer antibodies and only mens blood is used for complete transfusions in new born babies.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55296525

That's really good news, well done!

Well done. That's great news

Blood donation isnt something I know much about, isnt all blood screened for sexually transmitted diseases (which I'm guessing is why the rule was in place) along with other diseases, before being given to the person in need anyway? So why is this rule even in place? Or am I wrong.

That's fabulous. Well done.

Well that took a while!

Congrats xxx

Finally!

My son, who is not gay, has given blood regularly for years since he was old enough. He says it is a pity that when he does there tends just to be older men there not young ones by the way.

Well done!

What has that got to do with anything xenia? You just want to brag about your son.

I'm not happy if this change is campaign led, or fairness led. If it is science led then happiness abounds.

@cdtaylornats

I'm not happy if this change is campaign led, or fairness led. If it is science led then happiness abounds.

I don't see anything to suggest it wasn't based on science.

We can now finally announce the date the law will change, from the 14th June (to coincide with world blood donor day) we will have a fair blood donation policy for everyone.

It is really vital that we increase the number of regular blood donors in the UK, if you don’t already and you are able to please think about possibly becoming a donor or encouraging your loved ones to consider becoming a donor.

It’s crazy that gay men and bisexual men are subject to more intense scrutiny but those same men could simply claim to be transgender women in straight relationships and donate blood freely.

Does this have any effect on those banned for having had a blood transfusion? I had to stop donating in 1994 after an accident after which I needed blood.

@SpottyOrange

Does this have any effect on those banned for having had a blood transfusion? I had to stop donating in 1994 after an accident after which I needed blood.

Due to the risks of cjd at the moment people who have had a transfusion after 1980 are still unable to donate, however research is being carried out so this could change in the future.

Thanks @Simon Still, it's brilliant more are going to be allowed to donate.

Congratulations! Thank you all so much for doing this.

Haven’t donated since I drove miles out of my way to get declined because I had a mouth ulcer. When I dared to explain that I wore braces and this was not unusual for me I received a lecture about how my blood could go to a newborn baby and how would I feel if that baby then got sick.

The new questionnaire seems a very reasonable way to eliminate people whose behaviour suggests a higher risk rather than work on the basis of broad blanket categories. During this ongoing process I’ve been wondering how they could decide this without asking “are you a total slag?” but these questions seem very objective and not too intrusive.

www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/fair-steering-group/

To the person who asked upthread, the reason why the policy remained in place even though blood is screened for HIV is that tests aren’t reliable shortly after infection. That’s why the new questionnaire asks about new partners within 3 months.

Good work! I donated recently (in MENA) & regular male donors are really needed.

Great news! I always thought the rules were odd and homophobic without addressing the real issues.

Me and my husband donated blood for the first time ever this morning! Hopefully many more donations in the future.