The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued proposed guidance Friday to ease restrictions on blood donations by men who have sex with men.
The change is expected to take effect after a public comment period.
The restrictions on donating blood date back to the early days of the AIDS epidemic and were designed to protect the blood supply from HIV. Originally, gay and bisexual men were completely prohibited from donating blood. Over time, the FDA relaxed the lifetime ban, but still kept in place some limits.
‘Long Overdue’ Is Reaction In SoCal
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When Richard Zaldivar, the executive director and founder of The Wall Las Memorias, heard of the news, he said this is a step in the right direction, even if it’s long overdue.
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“After they finally approve of this and we’re on to a new chapter in blood donation, that we have learned the lesson that we can’t discriminate based upon sexual identity or orientation,” said Zaldivar.
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For the past 28 years, The Wall Las Memorias has been serving the Latino and LGBTQ+ community in L.A. by educating and providing resources on HIV/AIDS, mental health and other wellness areas.
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Zaldivar says that for the longest time, the ability to donate blood was classist, because there was always a barrier based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
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“The majority of gay men are not HIV positive, but yet, you know, they would like to be able to give back to community. I mean, I am the same situation, you know?” said Zaldivar.
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