Donor criteria for men who have sex with men: a Canadian perspective

Regulating the Risk of Blood-borne Related Infections: Men Who Have Sex with Men Deferral Policy

“…2007: The McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment evaluated the potential risks associated with changes to MSM blood donor eligibility. They conclude that, for known pathogens, a 1-year deferral period would not increase the statistical risk of blood transfusion related infections for the Canadian public (Goldman et al 2014). 2010: The Ontario Superior Court releases its ruling in the case of Blood Services v.…”

“…Although the court deemed the MSM exclusion criteria not to be discriminatory, the judge asserted that the evidence to support the lifetime ban was insufficient (Goldman et al 2014). 2013: Policy is modified from lifetime exclusion to a 5-year deferral period (Goldman et al 2014). 2014: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces its decision to change the MSM lifetime ban in the United States to a 1-year deferral period (Berkman and Zhou 2015).…”

“…The court rules that blood donation is a gift and not a right. Although the court deemed the MSM exclusion criteria not to be discriminatory, the judge asserted that the evidence to support the lifetime ban was insufficient (Goldman et al 2014). 2013: Policy is modified from lifetime exclusion to a 5-year deferral period (Goldman et al 2014).…”

“…2001: MSM eligibility is revisited in a consensus conference. There is little agreement amongst high interest groups (patients on the one hand, potential donors at-risk on the other) and there is no change to the regulation (Goldman et al 2014). 2007: The McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment evaluated the potential risks associated with changes to MSM blood donor eligibility.…”

“…Health Canada, a federal regulatory body, closely oversees the production and distribution of blood and related products (Goldman et al 2014). 2001: MSM eligibility is revisited in a consensus conference.…”