Rules that effectively banned all sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating blood and plasma are being lifted in Australia. Originally introduced to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, these restrictions will start to be revoked from next month, following similar reforms in the UK and the US.
Australia will become the first country to remove all sexual activity-based restrictions on plasma donation, according to the national blood donation service, Lifeblood. The changes, approved by the country’s health products regulator, are expected to expand the donor pool by 625,000 people.
Lifeblood’s Chief Medical Officer, Jo Pink, said the changes mark a significant milestone. While blood safety remains the top priority, current rules have been difficult for many in the LGBTQIA+ community and have contributed to stigma.
Previously, men or transgender women who had sex with men within the past three months were banned from donating blood or plasma, as were sex workers and women who have sex with bisexual men. Under the new rules, most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Men will no longer be asked if they had sex with men in the last three months. Instead, all donors will be asked if they have had anal sex with new or multiple partners. If yes, they must wait three months to donate blood but can still donate plasma.
People on the HIV prevention drug PrEP will be allowed to donate plasma but remain ineligible for blood donation. The only groups barred from donating plasma are people with HIV and those with HIV-positive partners.
The plasma donation rule changes take effect on 14th of July while updated blood donation rules will roll out in 2026.
Research from Lifeblood and the University of New South Wales’ Kirby Institute found the rule changes will not compromise the safety of the blood and plasma supply. Plasma undergoes pathogen inactivation, a process that significantly reduces infection risks.
With global plasma demand at an all-time high and rising, Lifeblood hopes these changes will boost much-needed supplies. Health Equity Matters CEO Dash Heath-Paynter welcomed the reforms, highlighting the potential to unlock thousands of life-saving plasma donations for Australian hospitals.
