HI SCR60

Requests the FDA eliminate its one-year blood donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men (MSM), which has been in place since 1977.

Notes that the FDA's deferral policy is not aligned with medical science, as blood is already rigorously tested within several days and the one-year deferral period does not match any disease screening windows used by blood banks.

Cites a 2014 study finding that lifting restrictions on MSM blood donors could increase the U.S. blood supply by 2-4 percent and potentially save more lives.

Highlights that 15 countries have either eliminated bans on MSM blood donors or maintained no-deferral policies, and Italy's 2001 policy change to individual risk assessment had no significant impact on HIV rates.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be sent to the FDA Commissioner, the Blood Products Advisory Committee, and the Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability of the Department of Health and Human Services.