Maintaining a safe and diverse blood supply is one of the highest priorities for the MGH Blood Donor Center. We strongly support the use of rational, science-based deferral periods that are applied consistently among blood donors, and that treat all potential donors with fairness, equality and respect.
On May 11, 2023, the FDA issued final guidance regarding an individual donor assessment for all blood donors regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Blood Donor Center agrees with data-driven changes in blood donation policies intended to keep the blood supply safe. Deferring prospective blood donors based on sexual orientation is no longer supported by data.
In alignment with the new donor criteria, the MGH Blood Donor Center has worked on changes to our regulated processes and is now ready to welcome those who were previously ineligible to donate. Please be advised there are other eligibility guidelines that may still prevent you from donating. We suggest reviewing ALL eligibility guidelines prior to presenting to donate.
Can gay or bisexual men donate blood?
Yes, we no longer ask questions based on gender. With the new “individual donor assessment,” donors will no longer be asked questions based on gender. Rather, donors will be asked questions based on individual risk assessment, including recent (3 month) sexual history with new or multiple partners.
There is a now a three-month deferral to donate blood if you:
- Had a new or multiple partners in the last 3 months and have had anal sex in the past 3 months.
- Have taken, by mouth, any medication to prevent HIV (pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the last 3 months.
There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:
- Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV Infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)
Can lesbians or bisexual women who have sex with women donate blood?
Yes, per FDA guidelines there is no deferral for women who have had sex with other women.
Can transgender or intersex individuals donate blood?
Yes, per FDA guidelines there is no deferral for transgender or intersex individuals. Donors can self-identify their gender selection. We no longer ask questions based on gender. With the new "individual donor assessment," donors will no longer be asked questions based on gender. Rather, donors will be asked questions based on individual risk assessment, including recent (3 month) sexual history with new or multiple partners.
I tried to donate blood in the past and was turned away due to MSM encounters. Can I donate now?
Since May 11th, our staff have worked to update our processes, systems, and training to implement these FDA guidance changes and expand eligibility. We are now ready to accept donors who may have previously been deferred from donating blood.
In the past a potential donor was deferred from donating blood in the USA if they were anyone who:
- Was a man who had sex with another man in the past 3 months
- Had sex with a man who had sex with another man in the past 3 months
The MGH Blood Donor Center would like to invite back all who were deferred for the above reasons.
With the new “individual donor assessment,” donors will no longer be asked questions based on gender. Rather, donors will be asked questions based on individual risk assessment, including recent (3 month) sexual history with new or multiple partners.
There is a now a three-month deferral to donate blood if you:
- Had a new or multiple partners in the last 3 months and have had anal sex in the past 3 months.
- Have taken, by mouth, any medication to prevent HIV (pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the last 3 months.
There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:
- Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV Infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)
I am a man in a same-sex marriage for over ten years; can I donate blood?
Yes, as long as you have not had new or multiple partners and anal sex in the past 3 months, you are eligible.
I am currently taking medications to prevent HIV infection (PrEP or PEP such as Truvada, Descovy, Tivicay, Isentress, or Apretude). Can I donate blood?
No. Anyone taking Truvada (tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir), or Isentress (raltegravir) will be deferred for 3 months since last dose, and anyone taking Apretude (cabotegravir) will be deferred for 2 years since last dose.
There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:
- Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV Infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)