1. FDA discriminatory rules for gay and bisexual men
2. FDA regulations on donated tissue for gay and bisexual individuals.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In recent years, the federal government has made strides in revising guidelines for blood and organ donations from men who have sex with men. However, the FDA’s restrictions on donated tissue, including corneas, remain unchanged. Advocates, lawmakers, and organizations focused on increasing access to cornea donations are frustrated by the FDA’s reluctance to align guidelines for tissue donated by gay and bisexual men with those for the rest of the population.
Advocates Push for Change
Sheryl J. Moore, a vocal advocate for reforming tissue donation guidelines, has been leading the charge since the tragic death of her son, Alexander “AJ” Betts Jr., in 2013. Betts’ internal organs were successfully donated to save seven lives, but his corneas were rejected due to his sexual orientation. Moore, along with Dr. Michael Puente Jr. from Colorado, launched the “Legalize Gay Eyes” campaign to raise awareness and push for policy changes.
Dr. Puente, a pediatric ophthalmologist, highlights the inconsistency in current donor guidelines, noting that a gay man can donate their entire heart for transplant but is barred from donating just the heart valve. He emphasizes the need for updated policies that reflect advancements in HIV testing and transmission prevention.
Outdated Policies and Discrimination
The FDA’s current deferral period of five years for cornea donations from men who have had sex with men is seen as outdated and discriminatory. Advocates argue that the policies, established 30 years ago to prevent HIV transmission, no longer align with current scientific knowledge and testing capabilities. They advocate for individualized risk assessments rather than blanket bans based on sexual orientation.
Despite calls for change from advocates, lawmakers, and medical professionals, the FDA has yet to act on proposed revisions to tissue donation guidelines. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) and other members of Congress have criticized the FDA for perpetuating stigma and discrimination against gay men through outdated policies.
Scientific Progress and Risk Assessment
Advancements in HIV testing have significantly reduced the risk of transmission through donated blood, organs, and tissue. Nucleic acid tests used to screen donors are highly effective in detecting HIV and hepatitis, with minimal window periods for potential infections. Experts agree that the current guidelines for cornea donations from gay and bisexual men are overly restrictive and not based on scientific evidence.
Dr. Peter Marks, a senior FDA official, has acknowledged the need for updated guidelines that reflect the current understanding of HIV transmission and testing capabilities. Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, support aligning tissue donation guidelines with those for blood donations to ensure equity and inclusivity.
A Mother’s Fight for Change
Sheryl J. Moore’s personal experience with the limitations of current tissue donation policies drives her advocacy for reform. After losing her son, AJ, and facing rejection of his corneas due to his sexual orientation, Moore has been a vocal proponent of policy changes. She believes that no one should be denied the opportunity to save lives through organ and tissue donation based on outdated and discriminatory criteria.
Moore’s advocacy has brought national attention to the need for more inclusive and equitable tissue donation guidelines. She continues to fight for a system that honors the wishes of donors and prioritizes saving lives over outdated biases.
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– FDA discriminatory rules donated tissue gay bisexual men
– FDA maintains discriminatory rules donated tissue gay bisexual men.
