Local

New FDA rules ease restrictions on gay, bisexual men to donate blood

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships can give blood in the U.S. without abstaining from sex under new, updated FDA rules.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The change eases decades-old restrictions designed to protect the blood supply from HIV.

The new policy, which is now in effect, will allow all potential donors to be screened individually for HIV risk, regardless of sexual orientation.

READ: Drug-resistant ringworm found in US, CDC says

“This really is a momentous moment,” said Susan Forbes with OneBlood.

The former FDA policy required gay and bisexual men to wait three months after their last sexual contact with another man to donate blood.

READ: HCA Healthcare breaks ground on another freestanding ER

The new policy instead requires all potential donors to be screened equally. They must now assess their risk of HIV.

Experts estimate the new policy is expected to increase the number of eligible donors by an estimated 2 million people.

READ: Mother’s Day Guide: 9 things to do to celebrate Mom in Central Florida

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.