Canada Changes Rules On Gay Blood

Canada's federal blood donation authority has ruled that gay men may now donate blood if they haven't had sex in five years.

“We recognize that many people will feel that this change does not go far enough, but given the history of the blood system in Canada, we see this as a first and prudent step forward on this policy,” Dr. Dana Devine, vice-president of medical, scientific and research affairs at the federal blood donor agency said in a news release Wednesday. “It’s the right thing to do and we are committed to regular review of this policy as additional data emerge and new technologies are implemented,” Devine said in the statement.

Previously Canada had banned gay men from donating blood if they have had sex with a man even once since 1977.  The United States continues to have a lifetime ban. The new Canadian policy goes into effect this summer. (Tipped by JMG reader Gigi)