End the Blood Ban

Speaking out against discrimination

Today any and all men who have, at any point in their lifetime has sexual relations with another man are barred from donating blood in the UK.

Donating blood is not a right. It is however considered a civic duty by many of those who are unable to donate. Many consider there to be a stigma against gay men under the current rules.

One group at a blood service in Quebec has estimated that a one year deferral period from the last instance of sex with another man would lead to one new infection in 2000 years. Australia has had a policy of one year deferral since 1992. In Spain blood donation rules focus on promiscuity. Both the American Association of Blood Banks and the American Red Cross call support a one year deferral period.

Gay men have traditionally been considered reliable donors. When gay men were no longer allowed to donate blood the San Francisco Bay Area saw a 10% drop in donations. There is not enough blood being donated in this country. Blood is imported from other countries, including Australia where a one year deferral system is in place.

In a situation where there is not enough blood and a group exists which may be restricted so strongly from donating blood by what may be stigma alone Liberal Youth Scotland calls for a full scientific review of blood policy in Scotland. Liberal Youth Scotland calls for science, not stigma.”