Menu
01/09/2016
Lifetime Blood Ban Donation Lifted For Gay Men In NI
A lifetime blood ban on the donation of blood by gay men in Northern Ireland has been lifted today, 01 September.
NI Health Minister Michelle O'Neill announced the policy change in June this year.
The decision means men whose last sexual contact with another man was more than 12 months ago will be free to donate blood if they meet the other donor selection criteria. Men who have had sexual contact with another man in the past 12 months, with or without a condom, will still not be eligible to donate blood.
Minister O'Neill said: "As Health Minister my first responsibility in this matter is patient safety. Surveillance data from England, Scotland and Wales and survey evidence from across the UK have provided assurance that the risk is lower with a one-year deferral. My decision is based on the evidence regarding the safety of donated blood."
The change will be implemented by the Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) which means the criteria will be in line with other groups who are deferred from giving blood for 12 months due to infection risks associated with sexual behaviours.
Sinn Féin MLA Seán Lynch said: "Blood donors save lives on a daily basis and we should be encouraging as many people as possible to become donors.
"This move by the health minister shows Sinn Féin's commitment to equality and we will continue to campaign for the removal of the discriminations and inequalities faced by the LGBT+ community."
(CD/JP)
NI Health Minister Michelle O'Neill announced the policy change in June this year.
The decision means men whose last sexual contact with another man was more than 12 months ago will be free to donate blood if they meet the other donor selection criteria. Men who have had sexual contact with another man in the past 12 months, with or without a condom, will still not be eligible to donate blood.
Minister O'Neill said: "As Health Minister my first responsibility in this matter is patient safety. Surveillance data from England, Scotland and Wales and survey evidence from across the UK have provided assurance that the risk is lower with a one-year deferral. My decision is based on the evidence regarding the safety of donated blood."
The change will be implemented by the Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) which means the criteria will be in line with other groups who are deferred from giving blood for 12 months due to infection risks associated with sexual behaviours.
Sinn Féin MLA Seán Lynch said: "Blood donors save lives on a daily basis and we should be encouraging as many people as possible to become donors.
"This move by the health minister shows Sinn Féin's commitment to equality and we will continue to campaign for the removal of the discriminations and inequalities faced by the LGBT+ community."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2022
Call For Blood Donations Following Decline In Donors
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to come forward for blood donations, backing a call from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service's (NIBTS) appeal coincides with World Blood Donor Day and follows a decline in the number of new people giving blood.
Call For Blood Donations Following Decline In Donors
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to come forward for blood donations, backing a call from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service's (NIBTS) appeal coincides with World Blood Donor Day and follows a decline in the number of new people giving blood.
21 May 2024
Swann To 'Carefully Consider' New Infected Blood Inquiry Report
Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to "careful consideration" of the newly published final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. The Inquiry was established by the UK government to examine the circumstances in which people treated by the national health service were given contaminated blood.
Swann To 'Carefully Consider' New Infected Blood Inquiry Report
Health Minister Robin Swann has committed to "careful consideration" of the newly published final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. The Inquiry was established by the UK government to examine the circumstances in which people treated by the national health service were given contaminated blood.
07 September 2009
'Give Blood', Says Minister
There's been a life-saving plea for NI people to donate blood. Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has himself given blood and encouraged others to do the same. The Minister said this showed just how easy it is to save a life through his support for the current campaign to increase the number of people in Northern Ireland that give blood.
'Give Blood', Says Minister
There's been a life-saving plea for NI people to donate blood. Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has himself given blood and encouraged others to do the same. The Minister said this showed just how easy it is to save a life through his support for the current campaign to increase the number of people in Northern Ireland that give blood.
15 May 2024
Health Minister Introduces New Electronic Blood System
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has launched a new electronic blood production and tracking system which will help improve blood safety and quality.
Health Minister Introduces New Electronic Blood System
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has launched a new electronic blood production and tracking system which will help improve blood safety and quality.
28 November 2002
Patients warned after blood donor's CJD diagnosis
There are concerns that a small number of haemophiliacs in Northern Ireland and Scotland may have received blood products from a donor who later was diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). Health agencies in Scotland have written to patients warning them that they may have been given treatments derived from the donor's blood.
Patients warned after blood donor's CJD diagnosis
There are concerns that a small number of haemophiliacs in Northern Ireland and Scotland may have received blood products from a donor who later was diagnosed with variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). Health agencies in Scotland have written to patients warning them that they may have been given treatments derived from the donor's blood.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
