Lifeblood is prepared to make sweeping changes to its blood and plasma donation eligibility criteria. This is a significant step forward for the LGBTQIA+ community’s inclusion and visibility. We’re thrilled that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) accepted Lifeblood’s submission. This decision will end restrictions on sexual activity based on gender and allow more people to donate blood. This amendment will increase the total number of donors by 24,000. Furthermore, it will bring in a phenomenal 95,000 more plasma donations annually.
Starting July 14, Lifeblood will be lifted most restrictions related to sexual activity from the plasma donation process. Today, federal guidelines ban gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender women who have sex with men, from donating blood. They are prevented from donating if they have engaged in sexual activity in the last three months. Those in a stable relationship of six months or more with one partner will be eligible to donate blood. We really want people in new relationships or multiple partners to donate. They cannot have participated in anal intercourse in the last three months.
A Focus on Plasma Donations
Dr. Jo Pink, Lifeblood’s chief medical officer, stated that there is an ongoing need for plasma donations in Australia.
“Plasma is now the donation Australians need the most.” – Dr. Jo Pink
Dr. Pink pointed out that the revisions will allow more than 600,000 more individuals to donate blood. By greatly expanding the potential donor base, the campaign will help ensure that patients who need life-saving plasma have better access to it.
Dash Heath-Paynter, CEO of Health Equity Matters, commended Lifeblood for their choice. He further stated that it will expand fundraising avenues for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
“Members of the LGBTQIA+ community can now help those whose lives depend on plasma donations without a donation deferral period.” – Dash Heath-Paynter
Anticipated Impact and Safety Measures
Lifeblood has a strong conviction that significant research and modeling confirms this assertion. They claim that none of these changes will put the safety of our plasma supply at risk. The organization has faith that the new policies will lead to improved donor turnout, all the while upholding their unwavering commitment to safety.
Dr. Pink recognized the nuanced nature of putting these gender-neutral assessments into practice.
“There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire.” – Dr. Pink
Though these hurdles remained, Dr. Pink was thrilled at the thought of opening Lifeblood’s centers to more varied donors in the months ahead.
“We’re excited to be able to welcome more people from across the community into our donor centres from next month.” – Dr. Pink
Looking Ahead
Lifeblood has called these reforms the steps on its “plasma pathway.” This important strategic initiative to boost plasma donations and healthcare outcomes for patients dependent on blood products. Their aim, according to the organization, is to finalize and implement these changes by early next year.
Heath-Paynter reflected on how this new initiative could increase donation rates.
“This change potentially unlocks thousands of donations of life-saving plasma.” – Dash Heath-Paynter
As Lifeblood looks ahead to these changes, both leaders are excited. They are excited about building a more welcoming space for donors of color and all donors. Dr. Pink said she had high expectations for this effort. She thinks it can be a major inflection point for Lifeblood as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We hope, as we move through the process of seeking to have both these changes introduced, that this will be a turning point for both Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community.” – Dr. Pink
