Gay, bisexual men can donate blood as revised FDA rules take effect

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The American Red Cross is changing its donor screening policy to allow gay and bisexual men to donate blood under new FDA rules that took effect Monday.

The humanitarian organization announced its change, removing a historic barrier in the donation process by not considering sexual orientation as a risk factor.

Other screening questions will remain the same -- for everyone. Potential donors will be asked about risk factors including sexual activity -- whether they have had sexual contact with a new partner in the past three months or had anal sex, which would require them to wait three months before donating.