By Trend News Line 2024-05-27 09:12:01.
**The Outdated FDA Guidelines on Tissue Donation**
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In a recent turn of events, the federal government has made changes to the rules surrounding organ and blood donation, specifically reducing restrictions on men who have had sex with another man. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to update its guidelines on tissue donation, which includes corneas, skin, and ligaments.
**Advocates Push for Change**
Advocates and lawmakers have been urging the FDA to align the guidelines for tissue donation by gay and bisexual men with those for the rest of the population. The current deferral period of five years for men who have had sex with another man has been deemed excessive, with calls to reduce it to just 90 days.
**Campaign for Change: “Legalize Gay Eyes”**
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Sheryl J. Moore, whose son tragically passed away in 2013, has been a vocal advocate for changing the FDA guidelines. Along with Dr. Michael Puente Jr., she started the “Legalize Gay Eyes” campaign to raise awareness about the discriminatory policies surrounding tissue donation.
**Outdated Policies Under Debate**
The FDA’s policies, which were established 30 years ago to prevent HIV transmission, have come under scrutiny in light of scientific advancements. Lawmakers and advocates argue that these policies are based on historic bias and prejudice, rather than current scientific knowledge.
**Calls for Individualized Risk Assessments**
Representative Joe Neguse and dozens of other representatives have called for FDA policies to be based on individualized risk assessments, rather than blanket restrictions. The aim is to ensure that potential donors are evaluated based on their actual risk factors, rather than outdated assumptions.
**The Blood Ban Repealed**
In 2015, the FDA repealed the controversial “blood ban” that prevented gay and bisexual men from donating blood. This policy was replaced in 2023 with a more inclusive approach that treats all prospective donors equally, based on their recent sexual activity.
**Cornea Donation Restrictions**
Despite the progress made in blood donation policies, the restrictions on cornea donation remain outdated and discriminatory. Gay and bisexual men are required to be celibate for five years before being eligible to donate their corneas, a policy that is not supported by scientific evidence.
**Testing and Safety Measures**
All potential donors, regardless of sexual orientation, undergo rigorous testing for HIV and hepatitis. The tests used are highly effective in detecting these infections, reducing the risk of transmission through donated tissue.
**A Mother’s Heartbreak**
Sheryl J. Moore’s heartbreaking story highlights the impact of these outdated policies. Her son, Alexander “AJ” Betts Jr., wanted to be an organ donor, but his corneas were rejected due to his sexual orientation. Moore has been a vocal advocate for changing the FDA guidelines to prevent other families from experiencing similar discrimination.
**The Need for Change**
Advocates, lawmakers, and medical professionals are united in their call for the FDA to update its guidelines on tissue donation. By aligning these policies with current scientific knowledge and individual risk assessments, more lives could be saved through organ and tissue donation.
**Moving Forward**
As the FDA continues to review its donor guidelines, there is hope that the outdated restrictions on tissue donation will be revised. Advocates like Sheryl J. Moore and Dr. Michael Puente Jr. are leading the charge for change, seeking to ensure that all potential donors are treated fairly and based on current evidence.
**Conclusion**
The debate over tissue donation guidelines for gay and bisexual men highlights the need for policies that are based on scientific evidence and individual risk assessments. With continued advocacy and pressure on the FDA, there is hope for a more inclusive and effective system that allows all individuals to contribute to saving lives through organ and tissue donation..
FDA urged relax tissue donation ban gay bisexual men
FDA urged relax tissue donation ban gay men.
