FDA Restrictions on Gay Men Donating Tissue

SOURCE www.npr.org
Advocates are pushing for the FDA to update rules on gay men donating tissue, particularly corneas, to align with guidelines for the rest of the human body. The current restrictions, based on outdated concerns about HIV transmission, are seen as unnecessary and discriminatory.

Key Points

  • Advocates seek to reduce the deferral period for gay men donating tissue from five years to 90 days
  • Advancements in testing for HIV have made current restrictions unnecessary and discriminatory
  • FDA has yet to act on proposed changes to the tissue donation guidelines

Pros

  • Advocates are raising awareness about outdated and discriminatory FDA policies
  • Calls for updating guidelines to align with advancements in testing for HIV and hepatitis

Cons

  • Current restrictions prevent potentially life-saving tissue donations from gay men
  • Outdated policies perpetuate stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals