AJR 50 Summary

• Calls upon the President of the United States to encourage repeal of the FDA's lifetime blood donor deferral policy for men who have had sex with another man, established in 1983

• Requests the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services adopt science-based donor suitability policies to replace the current blanket ban

• Notes that major medical organizations including the American Medical Association, American Red Cross, and blood banking associations have determined the current policy is discriminatory and not scientifically justified

• Highlights that lifting the ban could increase the U.S. blood supply by 0.6% to 1.4% annually while other countries and technological advances demonstrate effective alternatives to lifetime deferral

• Directs the California State Legislature to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, Vice President, HHS Secretary, and all California members of Congress