Science is Never Static
New information coming out of the McGill University AIDS Centre sheds new light on the safety of blood donation with regard to HIV/AIDS.
Currently, certain high-risk groups such as gay men have a lifetime ban on donating blood. This policy may have been valid when it was established, but today, scientific advances and new data make this practice outdated.
For one, the ability to test for HIV in blood is practically fool proof. Holding off donations by gay men, for a year after the last sexual activity with another male, makes it even less risky.
Furthermore, Australia has been successful in keeping donated blood safe, using this method of a one year deferral, coupled with the new tests. Also, heterosexual donors who have had multiple partners have been allowed to donate, in Canada, subject to the one year rule.
We know that HIV infection is on the rise in heterosexual populations. We know that HIV infection is dependent on high risk behaviour, among all groups.
So, if we can rely on more accurate tests with the one year rule for one group, then it is time to change the protocol and allow healthy gay men in a monogamous relationship to donate blood.
Let's be guided by good science and not misinformed fear.
- Hedy
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
Ottawa, ON -- November 28, 2007
