http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/bloodban/
I believe the Association is doing sterling work furthering this cause, so I thought I should let you all in on the online petition recently set up regarding this issue.
Basically, it boils down to a desire for the National Blood Service to scrap/redraft/overturn their current ban on all gay/bi/any man-what-has-ever-had-sex(oral/anal)-with-another-man from giving blood - ever. Additionally, any woman who thinks she may have had sex with one of these men is banned from donating for a year after the event (yet no proof of a clear HIV screen is required after this period ends).
It has been shown over the last 5 years that infection rates are by no means solely, or even majorly associated with this section of the population. This shows the time has come for the NBS to re-evaluate how it handles donors: for example, those being able to prove sexual responsibility. I for one would be delighted to provide two concurrent "clean screens" to prove I am eligible and safe to give blood. Those married/in long term relationships may be exempt from this (all donated blood is screened before transfusion, so they would have one clear screen right there anyway). Just a thought from my tiny, frazzled mind.
If you agree with this cause, please sign.
PS If you register your vote with a hotmail address, it may send the confirmation e-mail (to which you must respond to post your signature) to your Junk Mail.
PPS Am v.v.v.tired, so this post may be poorly constructed. Apologies if so.
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Former SRC Member for Sexualities & Gender
http://standrews.facebook.com/profile.php?id=37101378