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 Men who have had sex with another man (MSMs) even once since 1977
are banned from donating blood in the United States as they are
recognized to be at a higher risk of contracting HIV.
MSMs are not restricted to homosexual men.
If approved, the ban on blood donations would be lifted for those
who have not had sex with another man in prior 12 months.
(http://1.usa.gov/1AU9YDh)
After publishing draft guidance, the FDA invites comments and holds
public hearings. The FDA may then also seek expert recommendations
before making a final decision.
Some experts indicated support for a change in the rule on blood
donations by MSMs in an FDA panel discussion in December, but did
not make any recommendations.
The Department of Health and Human Services voted 16-2 in November
in favor of changing policies to allow blood donations by MSMs if
they have not had sex with another man for a year.
The draft recommendation suggests deferring donations from women who
have had sex with an MSM by 12 months.
(Reporting by Vidya L Nathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Joyjeet Das)
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