Australia lifts blood, plasma donation ban for gay men
The ban, which has been in place for more than two decades, was lifted after a two-year consultation period and a review by Australia's National Health Committee, concluding that blood donations from gay and bisexual men do not pose any additional risk.
The move has been welcomed by LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, who saw the ban as discriminatory and outdated. They urged heterosexual people to encourage their gay friends and family members to become regular blood donors.
Meanwhile, Australia's Blood Service is urging gay and bisexual men to consider becoming long-term blood donors, as their blood type is particularly valuable in saving the lives of those with complex and rare conditions.
Original source: BBC News
