AM24-SN-21-O: Beyond Gender-Based Sexual Activity Blood Safety Rules - Outcomes and Next Steps (Enduring)

Testing and pathogen reduction technologies have improved substantially since implementation of donor deferral policies in the 1980s relating to gay, bisexual, and other men who had sex with men (gbMSM). Gender-based sexual activity blood safety rules, whilst necessary to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, contributed to the stigma faced by gay and bisexual men. Additionally, there have always been gbMSM at lower or no risk of HIV. This has prompted public advocacy and reassessment of policies by many blood services. In December 2020 the UK blood services “For the Assessment of Individual Risk (FAIR)” committee recommended a more individualized approach to donor selection policy, accepted by health ministers and implemented from June 2021. Many blood services have subsequently implemented gender-neutral assessment of donors for sexual risk activity, including in the USA, Canada and The Netherlands. Whilst the overall approach is very similar, there are some minor differences. Under a gender-neutral assessment regime many gay and bisexual men still remain ineligible to donate.. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has been working towards two approaches: • One would allow everyone, regardless of their sexual activity, including gay and bisexual men, and anyone taking PrEP, to donate plasma for fractionation without any deferral period. The Australian regulator approved the ‘plasma pathway’ in May 2023 and Lifeblood is working with stakeholders on a timeline to start these plasma collections in 2024. • The other approach sees people donating blood using gender-neutral assessment, largely consistent with the regimes implemented by other blood establishments, however sex workers are also proposed to be included. This session will explore the rationale, evidence basis, and outcomes of the change to gender-neutral assessment in the UK and Canada, focusing on blood safety and availability, community feedback, next steps, and ongoing issues. The rationale and benefits of the ‘plasma pathway’ in Australia will also be explored.