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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