Ban On Blood Donations By Gay Men Lifted

The ban on blood donations by gay men has been lifted.

The decision follows the Appeal Court ruling in March which confirmed that it is a devolved matter, and substantial new evidence showing that the risk of contracting HIV from donated blood is lower with a one-year deferral than with a lifetime ban.

The Executive agreed an application by Health Minister, Michelle O Neill, to take an urgent decision to lift the ban.

She said: "My first responsibility in this matter is patient safety. Evidence from across the UK has provided assurance that the risk is lower with a one-year deferral. My decision is based solely on the evidence regarding the safety of donated blood."

Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay welcomed the announcement.

He said: "I welcome the news that Michelle O'Neill has lifted the lifetime ban of blood donations by gay men.

"It is also encouraging that this decision has been endorsed by the Executive.

"It goes without saying that we need to have robust screening of blood. However, everyone should be encouraged to give what could be life-saving blood regardless of their sexual orientation."

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said the "era of second-class citizenship" of the LGBT community was closer to being ended.

She said: "Only this week I submitted a question pushing the Minister to end this ridiculous ban, so I am delighted that only days later that is now the case.

"The ban was lifted in England, Scotland and Wales almost five years ago, so for gay men to suffer discrimination for that period due to the prejudices of one party has been totally unacceptable.

"I am pleased action has finally been taken and an absurd blood ban that everyone could see was not based on available evidence but rather discrimination, has been removed."

(CD)