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Northern Ireland lifts lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood - Attitude
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Home News News World

7 September 2017

Northern Ireland lifts lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood

By Fabio Crispim

Northern Ireland has previously had a lifetime ban that stopped gay and bisexual men from donating blood. The ban was brought in during the 1980’s AIDS crisis but was lifted in England, Scotland and Wales in November 2011.

Northern Ireland is the latest to lift the ban and Health Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced that the new policy will come into affect from September 1st.

The BBC reports that O’Neill said that she would lift the ban in favor of a “one year deferral system” which means gay and bisexual men can give blood one year after their last sexual contact with another man.

“The safety of donated blood depends on two things: donor selection and the testing of blood. Every blood donation is tested for HIV and a number of other organisms,” the minister said.

She added: “Not even the most advanced tests are 100% reliable, so it is vitally important for every donor to comply with any deferral rules that apply to them.”

More stories:
Nick Jonas on gay sex: ‘I wouldn’t say I haven’t, because that would be lying’
MPs Chris Bryant and Margot James on why they want LGBT Brits to vote ‘Remain’ next month

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