May 24th, 2007, 18:38
I'm often embarrassed to admit I was born in the USA and carry a US passport. Our current President elevated things to new, previously unthinkable levels. Here is something else quite bizarre and backward on the list of official (FDA) American policies:
http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a ... 0000000001 (http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/gay-men-still-banned-from-donating-blood/20070523232709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001) (fair warning: AOL frequently re-assigns URLs to its news articles, so I can't say how long this particular URL will be valid)
Here are some excerpts:
"Gay men remain banned for life from donating blood, the government said Wednesday, leaving in place - for now - a 1983 prohibition meant to prevent the spread of HIV through transfusions."
"Before giving blood, all men are asked if they have had sex, even once, with another man since 1977. Those who say they have are permanently banned from donating."
"Critics of the exclusionary policy said it bars potential healthy donors, despite the increasing need for donated blood, and discriminates against gays. The FDA recognized the policy defers many healthy donors but rejected the suggestion it's discriminatory. "
"Anyone who's used intravenous drugs or been paid for sex also is permanently barred from donating blood."
http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a ... 0000000001 (http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/gay-men-still-banned-from-donating-blood/20070523232709990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001) (fair warning: AOL frequently re-assigns URLs to its news articles, so I can't say how long this particular URL will be valid)
Here are some excerpts:
"Gay men remain banned for life from donating blood, the government said Wednesday, leaving in place - for now - a 1983 prohibition meant to prevent the spread of HIV through transfusions."
"Before giving blood, all men are asked if they have had sex, even once, with another man since 1977. Those who say they have are permanently banned from donating."
"Critics of the exclusionary policy said it bars potential healthy donors, despite the increasing need for donated blood, and discriminates against gays. The FDA recognized the policy defers many healthy donors but rejected the suggestion it's discriminatory. "
"Anyone who's used intravenous drugs or been paid for sex also is permanently barred from donating blood."