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Will Latest Attempt to End Gay Blood Ban Work?

Will Latest Attempt to End Gay Blood Ban Work?

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is once again looking at changing its policy that bars men who have sex with men from donating blood.

HHS described the current policy as "suboptimal" and asked a group of experts, known as the Blood, Organ, and Tissue Safety Working Group, to look into ways of changing it. As it stands, any man who had sex with another man since 1977 cannot donate blood. A new policy could allow certain gay or bisexual men, possibly those who have abstained from homosexual sex for a certain time, to donate.

"This announcement by HHS means we're moving in the direction of finally ending this antiquated and discriminatory policy," Rep. Mike Quigley told the National Journal. "Senator [John] Kerry and I will continue to push for a behavior-based screening process both in the name of fairness and a safer blood supply."

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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
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