The Food and Drug Administration has the power to change the antiquated limitations on donor requirements. Currently, if an individual wants to donate blood, but they happen to be a man who has sex with other men, there is a 12-month deferral. This limitation is discriminatory and outdated. The FDA has already made public statements on their commitment to address this issue [Read more here: http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/28/health/fda-gay-blood-ban-policy/index.html As you may or may not know, in December 2015 they changed their original lifelong ban for gay men to this 12-month deferral. Progress. But it is not enough.

With this petition, we'll be respectfully asking the FDA to reconsider their views on who can and cannot donate blood. We want them to make good on their claim that they will place high value on this quest. It is important for us to be constructive, keeping in mind that if the chief goal is protect the nation's blood supply, we can arrive at alternative ways to assess individual risk and work toward a common goal in a manner that is free from discrimination.

Thank you for your support.