East Bay Congressman Disappointed with FDA's Revision of Blood Donor Policy for Gay, Bisexual Men

Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA17) this week made the following statement about the FDA changing its blood donor ban for gay and bisexual men to a one-year deferral:

The FDA’s decision to revise its blood donor referral policy—from a lifetime ban to a one-year deferral—moves toward, but falls short of, an equitable outcome. The FDA’s message is clear: “If you can stop being gay, stop being bisexual, for one year, then you can donate blood.” I am disappointed with the announcement today. It’s a decision that underscores how the FDA has considered gay and bisexual men since 1983: as a monolithic, high-risk group known as “MSM,” or men who have sex with men. My message to the FDA is simple: We need a screening policy that focuses on behavior, not orientation.

In July, I held a press conference with Assembly Member Evan Low and Santa Clara County Supervisor Jeff Rosen to call attention to the disparities in our nation’s blood donor policies. While I am glad the FDA finally acted on this issue, it falls short of what our country needs—and deserves. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, and in my district, to call on the FDA to recognize this policy for what it is: an outdated, orientation-based view of gay and bisexual men.

Information submitted by the Office of Congressman Honda

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