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Australia is set to make a significant change to its blood donation policies, becoming the first country to lift all sexual activity-based restrictions on plasma donation. This historic reform will take effect on July 14, 2025, and is expected to expand the donor pool by an estimated 625,000 individuals, greatly enhancing the nation’s blood and plasma supply.
Previously, men and transgender women who had sex with men within the last three months were prohibited from donating blood or plasma. Restrictions also applied to sex workers and women who had sexual relations with bisexual men, primarily due to concerns about HIV transmission. Under the new guidelines, individuals in a monogamous relationship lasting six months or longer, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, will be eligible to donate blood. Importantly, Australia will completely eliminate sexual activity-based restrictions for plasma donation.
The updated donation guidelines were developed in collaboration with Lifeblood, Australia’s national blood donation service, and the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales. The approach prioritizes blood safety while aiming to reduce stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community. Potential donors will now be screened based on their sexual activity, specifically regarding anal sex with new or multiple partners, requiring a three-month waiting period before donating blood. However, they will still be able to donate plasma during this interval. Additionally, individuals taking HIV prevention medication PrEP will be allowed to donate plasma.
This policy change follows extensive research and has been approved by Australia’s health products regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Studies have confirmed that the new criteria will not compromise the safety of the blood and plasma supply, as plasma undergoes pathogen inactivation to minimize infection risks.
While the reforms have been largely welcomed by public health experts and advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, some believe there is still room for improvement. Comparatively, countries such as the UK, Canada, and the US have less stringent guidelines, allowing for shorter waiting periods after engaging in anal sex.
Overall, this move marks a significant step toward inclusive healthcare in Australia, demonstrating a shift from stigma-based policies to those founded on scientific evidence. As the demand for plasma continues to grow, this change positions Australia as a leader in health equity and a model for similar reforms worldwide.
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