2007-03-08 19:12:34 · 6 answers · asked by ? 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
It's on the red cross's eligibility requirements.. "are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977" .. I'm gay, and dont want to lie about it, but want to donate blood. I'm HIV-.. and am not currently sexually active, and havent been for a very long time.. so I'm having sort of an issue with this.. I want to help, but I dont agree with their policy. I also wanted to be a marrow donor, but ran up against the same guidelines.
2007-03-08 19:21:28 · update #1
Not to mention, I think in this time and age.. They're not as high risk as when HIV first appeared.. I think straight people present just as much risk now. So they should change their criteria somewhat. But, perhaps Im wrong.
2007-03-08 19:22:58 · update #2
The Red Cross and other blood banks are regulated by the FDA. This is an FDA regulation that they are legally obliged to follow. If you'd like to change this you'll have to address it to the FDA. Last I heard they have continued this requirement because gay men are still the fastest growing population of new HIV cases and, therefore, the highest risk.
More Information:
http://uttm.com/stories/2000/09/14/national/main233619.shtml
http://www.redcross.org/news/archives/2000/9-15-00b.html
2007-03-08 19:31:38 · answer #1 · answered by Some Guy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because gay people are in a high risk group and the antibodies for HIV can actually take up to two years to show up. Its not different than being denied for traveling to certain countries with high incidences of malaria or for living in the UK during the 80's when there was a mad cow outbreak.
Don't forget, patients receiving blood and blood products already have compromised health. Blood banks need to take every possible precaution to make sure there are no additional exposures to the patient that could worsen their condition.
2007-03-09 03:20:20 · answer #2 · answered by Beth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HIV testing has become so advanced and they learn more everyday. But in some cases it still goes undetected at the early stages. Maybe one day they will be able to, and that would be great. We may have different "lifestyles" but we all still bleed the same.
I too am excluded from donating as I am anemic and have high blood pressure, and it is sad because I am willing.
2007-03-09 03:17:09 · answer #3 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think b/c they are a high risk factor. Sometimes HIV won't show up as an early detection- so it's possible they can transfuse the infected blood w/o knowing it is bad.
Yeah, it kind of sucks, but hospitals have to be really cautious with blood transfusions.
2007-03-09 03:16:33 · answer #4 · answered by Koosher 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a window between infection and the ability to detect virus. High risk groups are excluded from donation.
2007-03-09 03:21:32 · answer #5 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gay people ARE NOT excluded from giving blood. People who admit on the questionnaire to risky behaviors, like drug use and multiple partners, are asked not to give. Since this is on the honor system, there's nothing to keep them from it.
Where did you get such an idea in the first place?
2007-03-09 03:17:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋