IL SR0986

Urges the President and Secretary of Health and Human Services to repeal FDA policies that prohibit or restrict blood donations by men who have had sex with other men (MSM).

Calls for the FDA to develop science-based donor suitability policies based on behavior rather than sexual orientation.

Cites the American Public Health Association's position that no scientific rationale exists to justify the current 12-month deferral policy for MSM donors.

Notes that lifting federal restrictions could add 4.2 million newly eligible donors and generate 615,300 additional pints of blood annually, based on Williams Institute estimates.

Identifies the current policy as discriminatory and inconsistent with Illinois law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.