– FDA relax decades-old tissue donation restrictions for gay men
– FDA urged to ease tissue donation rules for bisexual individuals.
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In recent years, the federal government has made strides in updating regulations surrounding organ and blood donation, specifically in relation to men who have had sex with other men. However, despite these changes, the FDA’s restrictions on donated tissue, including corneas, remain unchanged.
Advocates, lawmakers, and various organizations have been calling for the FDA to align the guidelines for tissue donation by gay and bisexual men with those for other types of donations. Specifically, they are pushing for a reduction in the deferral period from five years to 90 days, allowing men who have had sex with other men to donate tissue as long as it didn’t occur within three months of their death.
One prominent advocate for these changes is Sheryl J. Moore, who began her campaign, “Legalize Gay Eyes,” after her son’s organs were successfully donated, but his eyes were rejected due to his sexual orientation. This sparked a national conversation and garnered support from eye groups and lawmakers.
A Call for Scientific Progress and Equality
Dr. Michael Puente Jr., a pediatric ophthalmologist and advocate for changing tissue donation guidelines, points out the outdated nature of current policies. He emphasizes that advancements in testing for HIV have made the existing restrictions unnecessary and discriminatory.
Despite the FDA acknowledging the need for updates to tissue donation guidelines, no concrete action has been taken yet. This delay has been met with criticism from lawmakers like Rep. Joe Neguse, who argue that policies should be based on scientific evidence rather than historic bias.
Challenges and Inequities in Donation Policies
While progress has been made in blood and organ donation policies, the restrictions on tissue donation, especially corneas, highlight persistent challenges. Gay men face stringent requirements, such as a five-year abstinence period, which are not only outdated but also impractical to enforce.
Kevin Corcoran, from the Eye Bank Association of America, highlights the need for alignment between tissue and blood donation guidelines to ensure equity and inclusivity in the donation process.
A Personal Story of Advocacy
Sheryl J. Moore’s advocacy journey began with the tragic loss of her son, whose organs helped save multiple lives. However, the rejection of his corneas based on his sexual orientation led Moore to fight for policy changes and greater inclusivity in tissue donation.
The emotional impact of discriminatory donation policies is profound, as Moore reflects on the feeling of her son being bullied even beyond the grave due to outdated regulations.
Looking Towards a More Inclusive Future
As the conversation around tissue donation guidelines continues, advocates, lawmakers, and medical professionals emphasize the importance of updating policies to reflect scientific advancements and promote equality in donation practices.
It is crucial for regulatory bodies like the FDA to consider the evolving landscape of medical knowledge and prioritize inclusivity and evidence-based decision-making in donation policies.
Overall, the push for relaxation of tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men represents a step towards a more equitable and inclusive donation system that values scientific progress and individual rights.
2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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– FDA urged to relax tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men
– FDA urged to relax decades-old tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual individuals.
