Gay blood donor rules to be eased
Change follows safety review
Rules making it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood have been announced by the Scottish Government.
Men are not allowed to donate blood within a year of having sex with another man – but that will be reduced to three months under the plans.
The change was ordered by Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell following recommendations from the UK’s Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO).
The new rules, which will also apply to commercial sex workers and people who have sex with partners classed as high- risk, are likely to be introduced by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) in November.
Campbell said: “The safety of blood supplies is paramount, and we have one of the safest supplies in the world.
“After carefully examining the latest scientific evidence, SaBTO have concluded that shortening the 12- month deferral period to three months can be implemented safely.”
Fears over infections being passed on through donations from gay men led to an outright ban at the height of the Aids epidemic. The 12-month rule was introduced in 2011.
Scot t Cuthber tson, of LGBTI charity the Equality Network, said: “These rule changes are a welcome and significant step forward.
“We remain concerned, however, that many low-risk gay and bisexual men, such as those in monogamous relationships, will still not be allowed to donate.
“Crucially, as part of these rule changes, SNBTS have committed to explore ways in which a more personalised risk assessment could be introduced.”
Moira Carter, of the SNBTS, welcomed the new rules.
She said: “The updates for donor eligibility will allow more people the opportunity to give blood.
“The changes take into account the latest available medical and scientific evidence about the risk of acquiring infections that can be passed on in blood, along with ev idence suppor t ing the rel iabi l it y of the blood screening tests we use.”
Changes have also been proposed for people who have undergone acupuncture, pierci ng , t at tooi ng or endoscopies.
But these will have to be implemented at a later date as they will require changes in UK legislation.