Gay Men Cannot Donate Blood

http://youtu.be/nnAlu6hjRtM
This video was made by actors in a recent production at Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, NH. Tell your Representative to change this unjust law.

In 1985 the FDA established a policy placing gay men on a lifetime ban from donating blood. At the same time women, regardless of sexual preference are allowed to donate blood and either gender, who has had sex with an HIV-Positive partner, must wait only one year before contributing. The policy needs reform - this video was produced to encourage citizens of the world to take action. The American Red Cross and the American Association of Blood Banks support a revision of the policy. Despite FDA reviews in 2000 and 2006 the agency continues to uphold the ban. Your comments and thoughts are welcome as are your calls to the FDA and your state legislators in support of the policies amendment.
The Blood of Life

I can't give blood either. I had hepatitis about 30 yrs. ago

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That's okay, we can donate other things. Like a peppy number for one of their benefits.

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For 27 years, this issue has made my blood boil.

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I just don't understand why my blood is considered unacceptable after having hepatitis such a long time ago, but I understand that if you've EVER had that disease, you can't donate. go figure. On 9/11, a gay male friend and I went to St. Vincent's to try and donate. We were both turned away for those two reasons.

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This came up at one of our church's blood drives. Our pastor was furious when he learned of the policy. He called me to discuss the matter and said his first impulse was to ban the Red Cross from using any of the parish facilities for their drives. I talked him out of it because there is a serious need for blood and banning the Red Cross is "cutting off your nose to spite your face".

What's the solution?

(He did file a formal complaint, though. I don't know what that's worth)

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Isn't the Reagan era hilarious????