Isle of Man updates blood donation rules for gay men

Thu, 18 May 2023

All donors who wish to give blood on the Island will go through the same screening process, regardless of their sexuality or gender, from 01 June 2023.

Previously men who had sex with men were not permitted to give blood.

A person's eligibility to donate will now be based solely on an assessment of their individual experiences as part of their pre-donation safety check.

Donated blood is not only used for accidents and emergencies, but also for adult patients undergoing surgery and those requiring regular treatment for anaemia, cancer and blood diseases.

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