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June 04, 2020

Bill Introduced in Congress to End Restrictions on Blood Donation by Gay and Bisexual Men

On June 1, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a resolution calling for an end to the restrictions on blood donations by gay and bisexual men. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an estimated 130,000 fewer blood donations. In April, in response to the shortage, the FDA revised it guidance on blood donations by gay and bisexual men by reducing the deferral period from 12 months to 3 months. The resolution calls the 3-month restriction “overly stringent given the scientific evidence, advanced testing methods, and the safety and quality control measures in place within the different FDA-qualified blood donating centers.”