1. relax decades-old tissue donation restrictions gay bisexual men
2. FDA urged relax tissue donation restrictions gay bisexual men.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In both 2020 and 2023, the federal government made changes to regulations surrounding organ and blood donation, specifically reducing restrictions on men who have had sex with men. However, despite these changes, restrictions on donated tissue, which includes organs such as eyes, skin, and ligaments, remain unchanged. This has frustrated advocates, lawmakers, and groups focused on increasing cornea donations, who are calling for the FDA to align guidelines for tissue donation by gay and bisexual men with those for the general population.
The Advocacy Effort
Sheryl J. Moore has been a leading advocate for changing these restrictions since the death of her son, Alexander “AJ” Betts Jr., in 2013. Despite successfully donating his internal organs to seven individuals, his eyes were rejected due to a single question about his sexual orientation. Moore, along with Dr. Michael Puente Jr. from Colorado, launched the “Legalize Gay Eyes” campaign, gaining support from national eye groups and lawmakers.
Evolving Science and Outdated Policies
Advocates argue that the current guidelines are based on outdated justifications from 30 years ago, aimed at preventing HIV transmission. With advancements in testing and scientific knowledge, these restrictions are deemed unnecessary and discriminatory. The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research has included changes to tissue donation guidelines on its agenda since 2022 but has yet to implement them.
Calls for Change
Representative Joe Neguse, D-Colorado, and numerous other legislators have signed letters urging the FDA to revise its policies, emphasizing the need for science-based regulations rather than historic bias. While the FDA acknowledges the low risk of HIV transmission through ophthalmic procedures, it maintains that relative risks still exist, leading to the continuation of current guidelines.
Scientific Evidence and Testing
Research indicates that modern testing methods significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission through donated tissue. Nucleic acid tests used to screen donors are highly effective, with minimal chances of missing recent infections. Despite this, the FDA has not aligned tissue donation guidelines for gay men with those for blood donation, creating inconsistencies in the system.
Personal Impact and Advocacy
Moore’s personal experience with her son’s donation process highlights the emotional toll of discriminatory policies. Despite AJ’s organs saving multiple lives, his corneas were rejected solely based on his sexual orientation. Moore continues to advocate for policy changes to honour the decision of all individuals who wish to donate and save lives.
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