DID YOU KNOW

Over the last 10 years, there has been a 40% drop in the number of those giving blood? It’s an issue that we think it’s time to do something about. With the blood service’s own target for new male donors at 68,000 people this year, now more than ever, we need to ensure a safe and sufficient supply of blood.

Following years of campaigning, we helped introduce a world-leading blood donation policy for gay and bi men in 2017, reducing the deferral period from 12 months down to three. But we have always said we want to go further. We believe people should be treated as people, not on the basis of their sexuality. That’s why we’re advocating for an individualised, risk-based policy to assess sexual behaviour, rather than sexuality. It’s 2020 and it’s time to stop treating all gay and bi men as risky.

Our belief is simple: those who wish to donate blood and could do so safely, should be able to.

NUS supports a fair blood donation system which is based on an assessment of risky sexual behaviours rather than an individual’s sexual orientation.

Robbie Young, NUS LGBT Officer ,

Before I was sexually active as a gay man, I donated blood regularly. I am HIV negative and feel like my blood could really help those people who need it. The current system is dated and people like me want to help.

Gary Caplehorne, Youtuber/Activist ,

We all know someone who has needed blood at some point in their lives and with a recognised blood shortage, it’s now more important than ever to have a review on who can donate. That’s why I’m supporting FreedomToDonate.

Nigel Owens, International Rugby Union Referee ,

There are a lot of people who would want to donate blood who might not be able to with the regulations that are in place, and I don’t think that’s fair. Anything we can do to increase donations is worth doing.