LGBTQ restrictions lifted by Memorial Blood Centers

Minnesota-based Memorial Blood Centers on Monday began a new donor screening process allowing LGBTQ individuals to donate blood.

The change comes after the FDA issued guidance that bases donor participation on individual assessment rather than a blanket denial due to sexual or gender identity.

It was back in 1983 that gay men and women were banned from donating blood due to the threat of HIV.

Since then, the policy has been softened somewhat with advanced testing and simple understanding of the virus.

The screening process now will focus on the risks associated with an individual’s behavior, just as it does in the heterosexual community.

MBC is a member of America’s Blood Centers, the Minnesota Hospital Association, American Association of Blood Banks, and Blood Centers of America.

It is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.