It's about fucking time!

[jumperfucker]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14824310

It's still a bit messed up. You have to be celibate for a year before you can donate, but it's a hell of a lot better than where we've been.

Comments

[saudade-fox.livejournal.com]

Thank God! Finally!

[piplover.livejournal.com]

At least it's a step, though I still call bullshit on the one year period. I understand where they're coming from, but they're going about it sideways. Still, thank God for progress!

[consulting_detective]

I do have to wonder how many people lie in order to save someone's life.

[fuyu-no-fuhei.livejournal.com]

Damn shame they're still giving a waiting period, but it's still a giant step forward from the banned-for-life bullshit. Here's hoping the US starts moving in the right direction as well -- it's not like there's so much being donated we can afford to turn away donors due to bigotry.

[consulting_detective]

I admit, I've not exactly led a particularly low-risk lifestyle, but I am not the template for every homosexual man. By far. In fact, the person who posted this entry is proof of this.

[not-thatbill.livejournal.com]

Go England!

And the rest of them

But mostly England

[uwsannajane.livejournal.com]

V. good news, with the reservations you've already expressed. Meanwhile, I'm not allowed to donate in the U.S., ever, because ... wait for it ... I spent more than six months in the U.K. in the 1980s. Mad cow fear conquers common sense - after all, wouldn't I be dead by now if I were a carrier?

[consulting_detective]

That's completely ridiculous. You'd think medical professionals would understand a bit of medicine.

[uwsannajane.livejournal.com]

Much "medical policy" in the United States really has to do with catering to irrational fears. Actually, a great deal of political activity happens along the same lines.

Scream. At least the bone marrow people aren't frightened of me (not that they've called since I registered, but they could).

[consulting_detective]

I was going to ask if they honestly believe people to be that irresponsible until I realised that I'm pretty much exactly the sort of person they're afraid of.

Not that I've ever even considered donating, so I can't even tell if I'm proving or disproving my own argument. Either way, it's still a rubbish ban.