Australia Loosens Blood Donation Rules for LGBTQIA+ Community
In a pioneering move, Australia is easing restrictions on blood and plasma donations, especially for gay and bisexual men. This world-leading change aims to increase the donor pool and make the process more inclusive, reflecting evolving understandings of sexual health and safety.
Plasma Donation Changes
Effective July 14, 2024, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will relax many restrictions on plasma donation related to sexual activity. This “plasma pathway” means most people, including gay and bisexual men, and those using PrEP, can donate without a waiting period if they meet other eligibility criteria.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is removing restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood. https://t.co/08J839Jp2D
— ABC News (@abcnews) May 13, 2024
“Extensive research and modeling show that there will be no impact to the safety of the plasma supply with this change,”
— Lifeblood, Statement
Currently, men who have sex with men, along with transgender women who have sex with men, face donation restrictions if they’ve had sex in the past three months. Research from the World Health Organization shows that safe blood supplies can be assured through careful screening and testing (WHO 2024).
Wider Changes to Blood Donation
In addition to plasma rules, Lifeblood is also working to alter blood and platelet donation guidelines. Once the Therapeutic Goods Administration approves the submission, gender-based sexual activity rules will be removed. This will mean all donors answer the same questions about sexual activity, irrespective of their gender or sexuality.
Dr. Jo Pink, Lifeblood’s chief medical officer, is hopeful these changes can be implemented early next year. She noted that changes to the donor questionnaire will require working with state and territory governments.
These steps are designed to increase the donor pool. The aim is to simplify the donation procedure, making it more accessible to the LGBTQIA+ community. Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO of Health Equity Matters, stated that this change “potentially unlocks thousands of donations of life-saving plasma.”