Tuesday, January 31, 2023

NMAC Statement on FDA Changes to Blood Donation Restrictions for Men Who Have Sex With Men

The following is a statement from NMAC Executive Director Paul Kawata on the FDA’s announced changes to blood donation restrictions for men who have sex with men:

“This change by the FDA is a welcome step towards eliminating the outdated and discriminatory ban on men who have sex with men donating blood. It moves away from broad bans on large groups to a science-based approach based on the circumstances of each individual potential donor. But it’s just a step. There is much more that needs to change, including focusing on a potential donor’s new sexual partners, not total number. And the ban on those who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV acquisition is also troublesome and could lead to potential donors ending or suspending their use of PrEP. We hope that the FDA will revisit these issues and, ultimately, completely eliminate the ban on all men who have sex with men from donating blood.”

NMAC leads with race to urgently fight for health equity and racial justice to end the HIV epidemic in America. Since 1987, NMAC has advanced their mission through a variety of programs and services, including: a public policy education program, national and regional training conferences, a treatment and research program, numerous electronic and print materials, and a website: www.nmac.org. NMAC also serves as an association of AIDS service organizations, providing valuable information to community-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and other groups assisting individuals and families affected by the HIV epidemic.