Let gay males give blood

To:  Health Canada

Petition to Health Canada regarding HIV High Risk Activities indefinate defferal policy

We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of Health Canada:

THAT the current policy stands at:

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HIV High Risk Activities:

There are a number of high-risk activities for acquiring HIV/AIDS that can indefinitely defer people from giving blood. People who have taken money or drugs for sex, since 1977 cannot give blood.

All men who have had sex with another man, even once, since 1977 are indefinitely deferred. This is based on current scientific knowledge and statistical information that shows that men who have had sex with other men are at greater risk for HIV/AIDS infection than other people.

Intravenous use of illegal street drugs/narcotics also constitutes a HIV high risk activity and results in indefinite deferral.

Taken from:
http://www.blood.ca/centreapps/internet/uw_v502_mainengine.nsf/page/Indefinite%20Deferral?OpenDocument

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THAT Canadian Blood Services tests every single unit of blood that they collect from every donor, every single time a person donates blood. There still exists a brief period after the onset of a viral infection during which early signs of a virus cannot be detected. This period of time is known as the "window period". Advances in testing technology have reduced but not eliminated these window periods

THAT The "window period" is a little more than a week

THAT There is a shortage of blood donors in canada

THERFORE The outdated policy should be updated due to advancments in testing that allow for safe donation by the above groups.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Let gay males give blood Petition to Health Canada was created by and written by Jesse Dovick (ace_dovick@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.