Premium Content:

Blood donations rules to be reviewed

Blood Donation

Australia’s health ministers have agreed to bring forward a review of the rules that prevent men who have had sex with other men (MSM) from donating blood.

- Advertisement -

Currently MSM are banned from donating blood. To be eligible gay men must abstain from sex for 12 months. The longstanding rules were developed when there was concern that gay men might pass on HIV to recipients.

The ban that stops most gay men from becoming blood donors is just one of several hundred reasons people are prevented from donating blood.

The rules surrounding donor acceptability were not due to be reviewed until 2018 but following a push from Victoria’s Health Minister at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting a review will now be conducted in the next 12 months.

John DayWestern Australia’s Health Minister John Day (pictured right) told OUTinPerth that he was in favour of allowing as many people as possible to donate blood.

“I want as many people as possible to make blood donations but eligibility to donate must be guided by science and expert advice to minimise risk.” Day said.

The Chief Executive of the WA AIDS Council, Andrew Burry, agreed saying that it was clear that a review was needed.

“The  security of blood supply is obviously of paramount importance,” Burry said. “It seems to me that the security is based upon the available science and it seems to me that the science has moved considerably in the last few years, but the restrictions on who can donate blood has not.

Burry added that it was completely appropriate that a review is held as soon as possible.

The rules regarding who can and cannot donate blood are set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

In 2012 The Red Cross submitted a proposal for halving of the ban time to six months but the TGA rejected the submission.

OIP Staff

 

Latest

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

British comedian Jimmy Carr to play RAC Arena

The British comedian is playing stacks of shows across Australia.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.