HI SR27

Request FDA eliminate the one-year blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men (MSM) adopted December 21, 2015.

Request FDA adopt an individual risk assessment screening model for all blood donors instead of the current lifestyle-based deferral specific to MSM.

Note that 15 countries have either lifted or maintained no deferral/ban policies on MSM blood donations, including Italy which found no significant HIV rate impact after policy change in 2001.

Cite 2014 UCLA Williams Institute study finding that lifting MSM donor restrictions could increase annual U.S. blood supply by 2-4 percent.

Transmit resolution copies to FDA Commissioner, Blood Products Advisory Committee Chairperson, and Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability Chairperson.