FDA Eases Blood Donation Restrictions for Gay and Bisexual Men

The FDA has updated its guidelines for blood donors, allowing gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to donate blood without abstaining from sex. The new approach evaluates individual risks for HIV based on sexual behavior and recent partners, rather than sexual orientation. Potential donors who report having anal sex with new partners in the last three months will be barred from giving until a later date. The FDA noted that anyone who has ever tested positive for HIV will continue to be ineligible to donate blood.