The Food and Drug Administration announced today that it opened a public docket to allow for comments on its current blood donor deferral policy for gay men. Written or electronic comments will be accepted through Nov. 25.
A lifetime ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men was instituted in the early 1980s. In December, the FDA updated their guidance from a total deferral to one requiring 12-months of abstinence for gay men prior to donations.
Higgins, a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, called the current policy “antiquated and prejudicial.” He added that the action announced today by the FDA “signals that the agency is willing to listen and move toward a policy based on science rather than sexual orientation.”
In December of 2014 Higgins and other members called on the Secretary of Health and Human Services to change blood donation criteria. Late last year the Congressman joined “Blood is Blood” and the Pride Center of WNY for a local rally against the FDA rule. Most recently, Higgins was among those calling for the FDA to change its policy in a letter and on Capitol Hill, following the tragedy in Orlando.
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