Statement attributable to:
Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A.
President, American Medical Association
"The FDA took a step in the right direction today, reducing the blood donation deferral period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from 12 months to three. In 2015, after significant advocacy, the AMA welcomed the FDA’s decision to end the lifetime ban that prohibited MSM from donating blood. The decision today – at an urgent moment of need – continues the FDA’s efforts to advance regulatory decision-making with scientific evidence.
"At the same time, we urge the FDA to take future steps to remove the categorical restrictions for blood donations by MSM so they are instead based on a person’s individual risk, consistent with the latest scientific evidence, to ensure blood donation criteria is equitably applied across all people."
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
