By Trend News Line 2024-06-02 12:00:34.
the lives of seven people. But his corneas were rejected due to the outdated FDA policy. This experience led Moore to become a vocal advocate for changing the guidelines around cornea donation from gay and bisexual men.
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Advocates, lawmakers, and medical professionals have been pushing for the FDA to align the guidelines for tissue donation with those for organ and blood donation. They argue that the current restrictions are unnecessary and discriminatory, particularly given the advancements in testing for HIV and other diseases.
Dr. Michael Puente Jr., a pediatric ophthalmologist and advocate for changing the guidelines, highlighted the absurdity of the current policy. He pointed out that a gay man can donate his heart for transplant, but not just the heart valve. This categorical ban, he argued, is based on outdated fears and prejudices rather than scientific evidence.
The FDA has acknowledged the need to review the guidelines for tissue donation and has put changes on its agenda. However, as of now, the restrictions remain in place, frustrating advocates and lawmakers who believe that the policy perpetuates stigma against gay men.
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, along with dozens of other Congress members, has called for a more inclusive and science-based approach to tissue donation guidelines. They argue that the current policies are based on historic bias rather than individualized risk assessments.
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While the FDA has made changes to the blood donation policy, allowing all prospective donors to be treated equally, the restrictions on tissue donation remain in place. This has left many advocates and families, like Sheryl J. Moore, frustrated and calling for urgent action.
Moore’s son, Alexander “AJ” Betts Jr., was a young organ donor whose corneas were rejected due to the outdated policy. His mother has since become a passionate advocate for changing the guidelines, forming a campaign called “Legalize Gay Eyes” with Dr. Puente.
The FDA has stated that it continues to review donor screening and testing protocols to ensure the safety of donated tissue. However, advocates argue that the current guidelines are unnecessary, given the advancements in testing and the low risk of HIV transmission through tissue donation.
As the debate over tissue donation guidelines continues, advocates are hopeful that the FDA will heed their calls for change. They believe that aligning the guidelines for tissue donation with those for organ and blood donation is not only necessary but also a matter of equality and fairness.
In the meantime, families like Sheryl J. Moore’s continue to share their stories and push for a more inclusive and science-based approach to tissue donation. They hope that their efforts will lead to a more equitable system that allows all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, to donate their tissues and save lives..
long-tailed keyword: FDA relax tissue donation restrictions gay men urged
long-tailed keyword: FDA urged relax tissue donation restrictions gay men.
