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September 2011

Ban on Blood Donations for Gay/Bi Men Lifted

Discrimination Legal UK

The lifetime ban on blood donations for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men was lifted in 2011, though a 12-month abstinence clause remained in place. While the change acknowledged that a blanket ban was disproportionate, critics argued that the deferral period still unfairly singled out MSM regardless of individual risk.

Impact & Significance

The lifting of the lifetime ban acknowledged that blanket restrictions on gay and bisexual men's blood donations were disproportionate. It marked the beginning of a progressive shift in health policy, though the remaining deferral period continued to face criticism.

Reference Record

Date
September 2011
Era
2010-2019
Sources
1

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