Men who are known to engage in sexual relationships with other men have been permitted to donate blood without being discriminated against for their sexual orientation under the American Red Cross’s update of their screening process. 

The implementation of the federal rule regarding changes made previously this year will allow both gay and bisexual men to donate blood for the first time ever. This is since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in the region. The Food and Drug Administration had made changes previously this year acknowledging that a donor’s sexual orientation does pose any risk to the nation’s blood supply. 

Due to this change, instead of asking about the donor’s sexual orientation, the Red Cross shall be asking their would-be donor to wait for a period of three months after having anal sex with new or multiple sexual partners.

Statistically, anal sex leads to a significantly higher chance of transmission of HIV than vaginal or oral sex, as stated by the FDA while making this decision. On the other hand, condoms also tend to have a higher failure rate when used during anal sex compared to other forms of sexual intercourse. 

Due to this, donors will only be asked to report their gender, but they have the liberty to name the one they tend to identify during the time of donation. 

The Red Cross has stated that they shall be working together with the FDA to increase the inclusiveness regarding donors seeking to donate blood for a good cause. Due to this, men who have had anal sex are eligible to donate blood to the American Red Cross if they did not have it with a new partner or multiple sexual partners. 

So, it can be stated that this decision is a historical one for the Red Cross to allow gay and bisexual men to be permitted as blood donors for the first time after the HIV/AIDS crisis.

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