Congressional Equality Caucus Statement on Reports of Updates to Blood Donation Guidelines

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus released the following statement in response to reports that the Food and Drug Administration will shortly update its blood donation guidelines to an individual risk assessment model.

"This is an important step forward towards ensuring our blood donation guidelines are grounded in science, not stigma against certain communities. I am glad the FDA is finally moving toward an individual risk-based assessment model, but recognize, based on existing reporting, that many LGBTQI+ people may still be barred from donating," said Chair Pocan. "I look forward to taking a closer look at the proposed guidelines once they are published and working with the FDA to ensure that any unnecessary barriers are removed."

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. The Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQI+ people in the U.S. and around the world.