THEGAYUK

Tag: Blood Donation

All the latest breaking news on blood donation. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on blood donation.

  • Gay Blood. ‘Delays might be justified if it applied to everyone’ not just gay and bi men

    Gay Blood. ‘Delays might be justified if it applied to everyone’ not just gay and bi men

    A campaign in Wales, which is aiming to give gay, bi and MSM (men who have sex with men) the right to donate blood in line with everyone else, is calling for reform.

    The current law in Wales states that any man who has sexual relations with another man (gay, bisexual, MSM) must abstain from such sexual activity for a period of three months prior to donating blood. 

    This waiting time does not apply to heterosexual blood donors, regardless of how many sexual partners they’ve had.

    Campaign Coordinator at Blood Equality Wales, Alexander Bryant-Evans had this to say,

    “This could be respected as a justification, if it applied to everyone. Afterall, bloodborne pathogens such as HIV can and do infect people of all sexualities, gender and race.

    “Yet on grounds of sexuality, only gay and bisexual men are subjected to this law of forced abstinence before donating blood.”

    Blood Equality Wales believes this to be unfair, unjust and blatantly discriminatory. Their campaign is looking to challenge and change the law here in Wales around gay and bisexual (MSM) blood donation.

    A fairer more modern approach is called for

    Campaign Coordinator Arron Bevan-John says,

    “Blood Equality Wales advocates the use of a fairer, more modern approach. Instead of a sweeping, generalised law targeting all gay and biseuxal men, we would like to see a more individualised approach implemented by the Welsh Government on the issue of blood donation.”

    This approach would take the individual and their actions into account, as opposed to an automatic imposition of a deferral period purely because of the individual’s sexuality.

    Ending abstinence for those who do not engage in high-risk sexual activity

    kropekk_pl / Pixabay

    Blood Equality Wales believes that this approach would allow more gay and bisexual men, who do not engage in high-risk sexual activity, to be able to freely donate blood without having to undergo a period of abstinence first.

    The campaign has launched a petition on the Senedd’s official petition site. 

  • Gay or Bi men still can’t donate blood, if they’re having sex… Here’s what you can do about it

    The group FreedomToDonate, who successfully led the campaign to update the Government’s rules on gay and bi men donating blood in 2017, are now calling for people who still aren’t allowed to donate to make their voices heard.

    kropekk_pl / Pixabay

    FreedomToDonate is asking people who could donate but are prevented from doing so to #PledgeAPint to show how many pints are being missed each year: https://www.freedomtodonate.co.uk/pledge-to-donate/

    Ethan Spibey, founder of FreedomToDonate, said, “the progress we’ve made in the UK is amazing and while the UK now has a world-leading policy. However, our end goal has always been to have a truly individualised risk-based policy introduced. This means that every person who wants to donate blood is assessed individually rather than subject to blanket restrictions.

    We’re asking anyone who otherwise would be able to give blood but can’t because of the remaining restrictions to shout about it. We want to understand just how many people are being excluding from making the life-saving gift of donating blood.”

    Until recently, men could not donate blood if they had had sex with another man in the last 12 months, regardless of type or frequency of sexual activity.

    FreedomToDonate spearheaded a campaign which resulted in the 12 months being reduced to three months alongside LGBT charities including the Terrence Higgins Trust, Stonewall and the National AIDS Trust.

  • What the UK Government says its going to do for LGBT+ healthcare in the UK

    What the UK Government says its going to do for LGBT+ healthcare in the UK

    The UK’s Government has launched an LGBT action plan, in which it wants to deal with issues facing the LGBT+ community in the UK, including health.

    “This Government is committed to making the UK a country that works for everyone. We want to strip away the barriers that hold people back so that everyone can go as far as their hard work and talent can take them”.

    Big words, so what exactly are they promising?

    Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for Women and Equality has outlined 75  points she wants her office to push in order to achieve better rights, equality, safety and visibility for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people of the UK.

    Health was a big part of the government’s action plan, here’s what Ms Mordaunt said she plans to do:

    Put LGBT+ people’s needs “at the heart” of the NHS.

    We will appoint a National Adviser to lead improvements to LGBT healthcare. The National Adviser will focus on reducing the health inequalities that LGBT people face, and advise on ways to improve the care LGBT people receive when accessing the NHS and public health services. They will work across the NHS to ensure that the needs of LGBT people are considered throughout the health system.

    The National Adviser will work to improve healthcare professionals’ awareness of LGBT issues so they can provide better patient care. The National Adviser will work with relevant statutory organisations and professional associations to embed LGBT issues into physical and mental health services.

    We will improve the way gender identity services work for transgender adults. In 2019, NHS England will decide on the future configuration of adult gender identity services in England, and will seek to establish a more modern care model that delivers high-quality outcomes in which clinical capacity can be more flexibly deployed. The Government Equalities Office will produce advice about the Gender Recognition Act for GP surgeries and gender identity clinics.

    We will improve our understanding of the impacts on children and adolescents of changing their gender. The Government Equalities Office will gather evidence on the issues faced by people assigned female at birth who transition in adolescence.

    We will take action to improve mental health care for LGBT people. The Department of Health and Social Care and the Government Equalities Office will jointly develop a plan focussed on reducing suicides amongst the LGBT population. The Department of Health and Social Care will ensure LGBT people’s needs are addressed in the updated Suicide Prevention Strategy, and the new Health Education England suicide prevention competency framework will cover high-risk groups including LGBT people.

    We will enhance fertility services for LGBT people. The Department for Health and Social Care will revise surrogacy legislation so single people (including LGBT individuals) can access legal parenthood after a surrogacy arrangement.

    We will ensure LGBT people’s needs are taken into account in health and social care regulation. The Care Quality Commission will continue to improve how it inspects the experience of LGBT people in adult social care and mental health inpatient wards, and we will begin to inspect all gender identity clinics on a risk basis. The Care Quality Commission will develop guidance for care quality inspectors on the healthcare pathway for people who are transitioning their gender, and embed LGBT equality issues into the methodology used by inspectors.

    We will support improved monitoring of sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare services to enable better patient care. The Government Equalities Office will develop best practice guidance for monitoring and make this openly available to the public sector, and the National Adviser will work to ensure healthcare professionals understand the benefits of asking patients about their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Care Quality Commission will look at how we can promote the NHS England voluntary sexual orientation monitoring standard for people using health and social care services.

    We will work to tackle body image pressures that LGBT young people face. The Government Equalities Office will consider the specific challenges faced by LGBT people as part of our broader work to build the evidence base on the causes and impacts of body dissatisfaction.

    We will continue to review the blood donation deferral period for men who have sex with men. NHS Blood and Transplant will explore ways that a more personalised risk assessment can be introduced, to allow more people to donate blood without impacting on blood safety; currently, there is very little data on effective ways of carrying out such risk assessments. The initial scoping, evidence gathering and testing may take up to two years to complete.

    We are committed to tackling HIV transmission, AIDS and HIV-related deaths. As part of this, we are currently funding a 3 year trial with 10,000 people to determine how best to deliver ‘PrEP’. NHS England will consider the impact of increasing the PrEP trial further.

    We will take action to improve the support for LGBT people with learning disabilities. The Department of Health and Social Care will review, collate and disseminate existing best practice guidance and advice regarding LGBT issues and learning disability; and will also ensure that training requirements for support staff and advocates who work with people with learning disabilities includes advice regarding LGBT people.

    Here’s what the government plans are in other key areas:

    Education | Healthcare | Representation | Workplace | International | Safety

  • Gay men can now donate blood in Israel, but not US

    Israel announced Monday that it would be lifting a ban on gay and bisexual male blood donors, a change that has not been made in the United States. Israel’s national emergency service Magen David Adom devised a “double testing” system that allows blood banks to screen donations twice, allowing gay and bisexual men to make immediate donations, according to the The Times of Israel. (more…)

  • BLOOD: Waiting time for gay and bi men to donate reduced

    The wait time before gay and bisexual men can legally give blood has been reduced from 12 months.

    The UK now has one of the most progressive blood donation policies, concerning donations from gay and bisexual men, in the world. From today, gay and bi men will no longer have to abstain from sex for 12 months before they can donate blood. The new wait period is three months. Despite this, critics are still calling on the Government to go further.

    In July the Government announced that it would be reducing the deferral period for gay men and other groups from 12 months to three, which means the UK now has one of the world’s most progressive deferral-based blood donation policies.

    However, this still means that men, who are in long-term, committed relationships with other men, are still unable to donate blood.

    Fundamental Shift

    Blood equality campaigners, FreedomToDonate, has long argued that a 12 month deferral period is unjustifiable in light of today’s scientific and medical capabilities.

    The campaign’s founder, Ethan Spibey, who has a particularly personal reason to welcome today’s new policy, said, “Today marks a fundamental shift in blood donation policy recognising the contribution gay men and other groups make. For me, this was always about being able to repay the donors who saved my grandad’s life.

    “As the new guidelines come into effect, this step change really does mean that the UK is leading the way in deferral-based blood donation models and and has a role to play in moving towards a safe and truly fair blood donation policy for all.

    “I couldn’t be prouder of the FreedomToDonate team and our supporters, who working together have achieved something which will help more people than ever who are in need of blood.”

    Stewart McDonald MP, who co-chairs the APPG on Blood Donation which undertook an Inquiry into blood donation policy said, “It’s fantastic that these guidelines have now come into effect which the APPG on Blood Donation recommended throughout the course of its Inquiry. It means more people than ever will be able to take the life-saving act of donating blood.”

    Who can’t donate blood in the UK?

    The following demographics are not permitted to donate blood in the UK.

    • Gay and bisexual men who have had sex in the last months
    • Women who have had sex with a man who has had sex with another man in the previous three months
    • Sex workers
    • Somone who has had sex for money or drugs
    • Someone who has had sex with a “high risk” partner
    • Those who over 25 stone in the weight
    • Those under seven stone in weight
    • Those who are over 70 years old
    • People on antibiotics
    • People who are pregnant
    • Those who have travelled from or through certain countries 

  • What Law Says About Gay Men Donating Blood After Vegas

    After the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history killed 58 and injured around 530 people in Las Vegas Sunday night, blood banks in Nevada have been inundated with people wishing to donate blood to help the victims.


    Due to licensing this article must be read on our website

    But some people on social media, like former NSYNC singer Lance Bass, have reported that they are unable to… (more…)

  • Plaid Cymru pledge to end blood ban for gay men

    Welsh political party, Plaid Cymru have pledged to end the discriminatory blood ban placed on gay and bisexual men who have had sex in the previous 12 months.

    Plaid Cymru has said they will end the discriminatory blood ban that forbids gay and bisexual men from donating blood if they have had sex with someone of the same sex in the previous 12 months.

    The party who had three MPs in the last government have unveiled a raft of LGBT+ pledges including a policy to prioritise the development of a gender identity clinic, working with schools to end homophobic bullying and promote LGBT participation in sport.

    Plaid Cymru Assembly candidate for Cardiff Central Glyn Wise said,

    “Plaid Cymru is committed to creating a Wales which secures equality and acceptance without question for all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people.

    “To achieve this, we would introduce a range of measures to tackle discrimination and end stigma currently facing so many members of the LGBT community.”

    Mr Wise added,

    “A Plaid Cymru government would end the discriminatory twelve month donation ban for gay men, using risk to determine suitability for donation.

    “We will also work towards the implementation of a framework for Primary Care Services for trans people, with the development of a Gender Identity Clinic as a high priority.

    “Plaid Cymru wants to take action to help young people facing homophobic bullying by requiring school in Wales to keep a register of bullying incidents related to sexuality.

    “As part of broader efforts towards healthier lifestyles, a Party of Wales government will promote LGBT participation in sport and work with clubs and organisations to reduce homophobic and sexist behaviour.

    “Our vision is of a more open, tolerant and accepting society. A Plaid Cymru government would work closely and constructively with organisations and individuals alike to deliver this.”

     

     

     

     

  • What are these posters that have cropped up in Soho?

    What are these posters that have cropped up in Soho?

    Have you seen these posters which have been cropping up in Soho?

    IMG_1236 IMG_1238

     

    Well it’s all about the fact that gay and bisexual men STILL can’t give blood in the UK unless they’ve abstained from sex for ONE YEAR – even if they are in a monogamous relationship or feel that they have been enjoying safer sex.

    IMG_1240

    The posters – which leave out the letters of blood groups – such as A, B, invites people to log on to a website – where they can send a pre-written letter to let the Minster for health, Jeremy Hunt know how you feel.

    Bravo.

     

  • All Party Parliamentary Group On Gay Blood Donation Launched

    The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Blood Donation, a group of MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum who will inform on the Government’s review of blood donation in the UK was launched today in Parliament.

     

    © belchonock | Depositphotos

    A group of MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum came together today to promote the importance of donating blood and to inform on the upcoming review into who is able to safely donate blood.

    The APPG has been set up to help inform the Government review on blood donation rules which will determine whether gay and bisexual men will be able to donate blood unrestricted.

    The review will also take in to consideration those who have ever injected drugs or had money for sex and their viability on blood donation.

    At the present time gay and bisexual men are able to donate in England, Wales and Scotland but only if they are HIV negative and have not had sex with another man in the year.

    In Northern Ireland men who sleep with men are one of the groups who are still not permitted to donate blood.

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    The review was announced in Parliament in November in response to the campaign from FreedomToDonate and the Government is currently in discussions with stakeholders as to the terms of the review and its timeline.

    Speaking on the launch of the APPG, the Co-Chair, Stewart McDonald MP said,

    “Donating blood is a lifesaving action. It’s something that all those who can safely donate blood should be able to do so that’s why I’m proud to be Co-Chairing this APPG with Paula Sherriff MP.”

    Founder of the FreedomToDonate campaign, Ethan Spibey said,

    “Securing the review into who is able to safely donate blood was a huge milestone for our campaign and the setting up today of this APPG is yet another way we can ensure the best possible outcome for the review for all those affected. I set up this campaign when my Grandad went through a major operation, it’s my hope that I and many others can safely donate in the near future.”

  • Rules Surrounding Gay Men Blood DonationsTo Be Reviewed

    Great news from the gay men’s blood donation campaign.

    Public Health Minister Jane Ellison MP has just announced that the advisory body will now review who can safely donate in 2016.
    As it stands gay and bisexual men who have had penetrative sex in the last 12 months are unable to legally donate regardless of whether they are in a monogamous relationship, they use protection whilst having sex or they test negative for HIV.In 2011 the outright ban for gay and bisexual men to donate blood was removed and reduced to a one year ban. Meaning only gay or bisexual men who haven’t had sex within a year can donate blood. A practice many believe is discriminatory. In Northern Ireland the life time ban is still in force.Ethan Spibey from the Freedom To Donate campaign said,

    “The FreedomToDonate team have worked tireless with our brilliant supporters to raise the case for a review into who can safely donate blood. I’m extremely happy that this morning the Public Health Minister Jane Ellison MP in answer to a question on the FreedomToDonate campaign confirmed that this review will take place in 2016. Those that can safely donate blood should be able to donate and securing this review is a step towards that. It’s time for the FreedomToDonate.”

    Shaun Griffin, Executive Director External Affairs, Terrene Higgins Trust said:

    “We welcome today’s news. The 2011 review that the one year ban was based on is now out of date, and the rules need reviewing to fit the facts today.

    “The review announced today, as well as considering the latest available data, should also address the contradictions attached to the lifetime ban on former sex workers and past intravenous drug users, which were not addressed in 2011.

    “The safety of the blood supply must come first – but the one year ban, and the information the decision was based on is out of touch with the reality of conditions like hep C and HIV in 2015.”

     

  • X FACTOR Anton Stephans Backs Gay Men Blood Campaign

    Singer Anton Stephans has given his support to Blood Pact, a campaign that is fighting for the rights of gay men to be able to donate blood.

    As the law currently stands in the UK, gay and bisexual men are forbidden to donate blood if they have had sex in the last 12 months with another man. A rule that many argue is discriminatory. Blood Pact calls the 12-month ban on sex “Discouraging, unrealistic and unfair”.

    X FACTOR star Anton Stephans has given his support to the campaign calling the ban “archaic & uneducated” and has even starred their promotional video.

    The group is calling for supporters to sign a petition on Change.org which has already attracted 9206 signatures at the time of publish.

    ALSO READ: 8 thing you didn’t know about Anton Stephans from X FACTOR

    Anton is just one of a number of celebrities who have back the various campaigns which supports the end of the gay blood ban in the UK. Stephen Fry and Andrew Hayden-Smith are both openly gay celebs who have campaigned on the issue.
    At the end of the video Anton says to camera, “I would give blood, if I could.”

    ALSO READ: 9 things you didn’t know about Nick Grimshaw