Ban on Sexual Activity for LGBT Blood Donors Lifted

Lifeblood’s submission to remove gender-specific sexual activity questions for whole blood and platelet donations has also been approved.

A lab technician freeze packs of donated convalescent plasma for shipping to local hospitals at Inova Blood Services in Dulles, Va., on April 22, 2020. Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

From July 14, more Australians—including many from the LGBT community—will be able to donate plasma without a deferral period related to their sexual activity, according to a major policy update by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

The change removes a three-month waiting period for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.