Blood donation: Gay couple 'thrilled' after rules change [U.K.]

BBC.com ^ | June 14, 2021 | BBC

[fwdude]

Until now men who have sex with men had to wait three months before donating.

From Monday, gay men in sexually active, monogamous relationships can donate for the first time.

Anyone who has had anal sex with a new or multiple partners in the past three months will have to wait three months to donate - regardless of their gender.

It follows a review by the Fair (For the Assessment of Individualised Risk) steering group, which concluded switching to an individualised, gender-neutral approach was fairer and maintained the safety of the blood supply.

The review's recommendations are to be implemented by all four UK nations.

[G Larry]

Yes, I’m serious, but its not like the “ruling class” isn’t getting vaccinated.

[Verginius Rufus]

That's too bad. I think it is now 5 years or more in Europe disqualifies someone but the rules are stricter for the UK or for people connected with the US military stationed in Europe.

I consider myself fortunate to be able to donate and just wish I had started at an earlier age.