Current Issues
Deferral of Men who have Sex with Men from Blood Donation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does the term 'MSM' mean?
Q2. What is the current blood donor selection criterion for MSM?
Q4. When will the change come into effect?
Q5. What does this mean in practice at blood donation sessions?
Q6. What has
the blood donor selection criterion for MSM changed?
Q7. What new evidence prompted a change to the blood donor selection criterion for MSM?
Q9. Were blood recipients / patient groups / donors consulted as part of the review?
Q10. Was the policy changed because of Equalities laws?
Q11. How can it be fair to continue to treat all gay men as high risk?
Q14. Why is the deferral period 12 months?
Q16. I always use condoms, why can't I give blood?
Q17. Why hasn't SaBTO recommended a deferral/exclusion for promiscuous heterosexuals?
Q18. There is no shortage of blood in this country so why was the review carried out?
Q19. Isn't there a risk of those gay men who don't agree with the policy donating anyway?
Q21. Is it against the law to lie about my sexual history in order to give blood?
Q22. What are the donor selection criteria for men who have sex with men in other countries?
Q23. What are the other donor selection criteria related to sexual behaviour?
Q24. Why are women who have sex with MSM still deferred from blood donation for 12 months?
November 2011