1. Tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men
2. FDA urged to relax tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : The federal government made significant changes in 2020 and 2023 regarding organ and blood donation regulations, specifically concerning men who have had sexual relations with other men. While the restrictions on blood and organ donation have been relaxed, the guidelines for donated tissue, which includes organs such as eyes, skin, and ligaments, remain unchanged. Advocates and lawmakers are calling for alignment in the guidelines for tissue donation by gay and bisexual men with those for the general population.
Sheryl J. Moore, a prominent advocate for lifting these restrictions, has been campaigning for change since the tragic death of her son, Alexander “AJ” Betts Jr., in 2013. Moore’s son’s internal organs were successfully donated to seven individuals, but his eyes were rejected due to his sexual orientation. This prompted Moore and Dr. Michael Puente Jr. from Colorado to launch the “Legalize Gay Eyes” campaign, gaining support from national eye groups and legislators.
Dr. Puente, a pediatric ophthalmologist, emphasized the need to update the outdated guidelines, especially in light of advancements in HIV testing. He highlighted the inconsistency in allowing gay men to donate organs but not specific tissues like the heart valve. The current policies were established 30 years ago to prevent HIV transmission but are now deemed unnecessary and discriminatory by advocates for change.
Despite ongoing pleas for revision, the FDA has yet to act on adjusting the guidelines for tissue donation by gay and bisexual men. Congressman Joe Neguse expressed his disappointment in the FDA’s lack of response, stating that policies should be based on scientific evidence rather than historic bias. The FDA defended its stance, citing concerns about the remote risk of HIV transmission during ophthalmic surgical procedures.
While the FDA has made progress in updating blood and organ donation policies, the restrictions on tissue donation remain a point of contention. The outdated requirement of five years of abstinence for corneal donation by gay men has been criticized as impractical and discriminatory. Kevin Corcoran, representing the Eye Bank Association of America, highlighted the challenges faced by grieving families in recalling their loved one’s sexual history to meet the stringent guidelines.
The case of Sheryl J. Moore’s son serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of these restrictions on families. Moore’s son’s corneas were rejected for donation based on a single question about his sexual orientation, leading Moore to feel that her son’s legacy was tarnished. The call for inclusive and updated guidelines for tissue donation continues to gain momentum, with advocates pushing for a more evidence-based and equitable approach.
In conclusion, the need for reform in tissue donation guidelines for gay and bisexual men is a pressing issue that requires the FDA’s attention. By aligning these guidelines with scientific advancements and removing discriminatory barriers, more lives can be saved through organ and tissue donation. It is imperative that policies are updated to reflect the current understanding of HIV transmission and embrace inclusivity in the donation process..
1. FDA urged to relax tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men
2. FDA urged to update tissue donation regulations for gay and bisexual men.
