Tell the FDA: End the blood ban!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced it will shorten — but not eliminate — the de facto ban on gay and bisexual male blood donors. While this policy shift is a step forward, the basic underlying policy is still flawed and continues to perpetuate discrimination against LGBTQ people. 

Any blanket policy directed toward a specific identity or community — and particularly one that has been stigmatized and marginalized for decades — is misguided and rooted in lasting bias. 

The Human Rights Campaign objected to the FDA policy in the 1980s and continues to object to all of its vestiges today. At no time in our nation's history has it been more critical to prioritize science and facts over fear and bias. And given the current crisis and shortage of blood donors, the FDA solution is not a real solution or one driven by science. 

Continuing to enforce the de facto prohibition on blood donation by sexually active gay and bisexual men does not reflect the best science available. Join with HRC in calling on the FDA to end the blood ban!