Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has officially implemented gender-neutral blood donation rules, removing decades-old barriers that prevented members of the LGBTQIA+ community from donating blood and platelets.
“Under the updated rules, most people in long-term monogamous relationships will be able to donate blood, and many who remain ineligible will be able to donate plasma instead”, said Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen.
From 20 April, the updated eligibility criteria shifted from gender-based restrictions to a universal assessment of sexual activity. All donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, are now asked the same questions regarding recent sexual partners.
Rules restricting trans people and gay and bisexual men from donating blood were implemented during the HIV pandemic in the 1980s. However, medical and technological advancements have paved the way for these groups to be eligible to donate blood while keeping blood recipients safe.
Cornelissen described the policy shift as an important milestone for blood donation in Australia.
“This is something we’ve been researching and working on for some time together with governments, LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups and the broader community, and we’re excited to be welcoming many more new donors into our centres to donate blood and platelets,” Mr Cornelissen said.
“Under the updated rules, most people in long-term monogamous relationships will be able to donate blood, and many who remain ineligible will be able to donate plasma instead.”
Lifeblood expects an increase of up to 20,000 blood donations per annum as a result of the eligibility update.