- A new survey reveals a significant increase in blood donations from gay and bisexual men across England.
- This rise follows the introduction of new eligibility rules in 2021, which broadened donor criteria in England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Recent polling of 8,744 male donors showed that 7.5 per cent identified as gay, bisexual, or other non-heterosexual orientations, up from 1.8 per cent in a comparable 2014 survey.
- The 2021 rule change moved from a blanket deferral for men who had sex with men to an individualised assessment based on health, travel, and sexual behaviours.
- NHS Blood and Transplant and the UK Health Security Agency confirm that the more inclusive assessment has not compromised blood safety, while charities welcome the increased donations.
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