Originally posted by: BigJ
Statistically speaking, isn't anal sex in general far more dangerous when it comes to contracting STDs/VDs?
Originally posted by: IHYLN
How is this any different from Insurance companies screening drivers? No one screams bloody murder (no pun intended) about that.
If a driver (gay male) has a bad driving record (history of medical problems) then the insurance company will refuse to carry them. Same holds true for any blood bank because it all comes down to liability. Unfortunately the blood screening process isn't 100% because some viruses and STDs can remain dormant and undetected by today's equipment.
Think rationally people.
Originally posted by: J0hnny
I'm on that list of banned donors but I will not say why!!!!!!
Originally posted by: Paulson
It doesn't matter because everybody's blood gets tested... I think if they were smart they'd accept it and if they had to get rid of it they could just throw it away...
Originally posted by: gutharius
Originally posted by: rbloedow
I'd certainly say that I'm no more at risk any other person. If you practice safe sex, waht's the problem?
Partly the problem is there is no way to determine if the donator has been practicing safe sex. This and the fact it can take up to 3 months for the signs of AIDS/HIV infection to show on a test is the reason we are banned from doing this. While this is true for straights just as much as gays it is the fact that they ask if you have ever had anal sex before which bars many gays, and yes straights too, from giving the gift of life. Simply because, If you answer yes to any of the sex based prequalification questions you are turned away. I see this as understandable as no one would want their gift of life to be the ultimate death of someone else. I know I could not bear the thought that my one time neglgence in bed led to anothers death, and will ultimately lead to mine as well.
So should gays be allowed to donate? YES! But we need to improve our detection technology for the AIDS/HIV virus, FIRST, and we are getting there slowly. Better yet, we simply need to find a cure for this plague of mankind so no one has to worry about years of endless wasting away simply waiting to die.
Originally posted by: rbloedow
I'd certainly say that I'm no more at risk any other person. If you practice safe sex, waht's the problem?
Originally posted by: IHYLN
insurance companies discriminate against high risk groups such as ages between 18-25 and if they are male/female. That is just the tip of the iceberg for insurance companies though.
As for me comparing homosexual sex and a bad driving record, no. Read again, I said medical history is comparable to a driving record.
Originally posted by: Queasy
Originally posted by: Paulson
It doesn't matter because everybody's blood gets tested... I think if they were smart they'd accept it and if they had to get rid of it they could just throw it away...
As has already been mentioned, testing is not 100%. Some STDs can lie dormant while others are not detected 100% of the time. The Red Cross is not doing this to discriminate but to ensure the safety of those that receive the blood.
Originally posted by: cobalt
Originally posted by: rbloedow
I'd certainly say that I'm no more at risk any other person. If you practice safe sex, waht's the problem?
No such thing as safe sex. It's safer sex. There is always risk. *This doesn't reflect my opinion blah blah.*
I WOULD feel sorry for you, but it makes no sense why you didn't just go and then label the bag as "don't use." They leave the room and tell you to put a sticker on the bag. You can either use the "use my blood" sticker or the "don't use my blood" sticker. Much better way to do things.Originally posted by: GeekDrew
OK... so create a testing procedure that we must go through in order to give blood. It would be a PITA, and I think unfair, but I'd still do it.
<gets a bit choked up>
Over 50 students asked the American Red Cross volunteers at my old high school why they wouldn't let me donate blood... the only thing they would say is "Because he's gay."
Of course, I had to explain myself every other time the Red Cross came to my office for the next two years, because I was the only staff member in the main office that wasn't giving blood...
Not sure about races, but the Red Cross/blood centers are very cautious about who can donate with regard to being at-risk.I'm sure among the different races there's higher rates among certain ones as well. Should they be banned as well?
Originally posted by: ming2020
Originally posted by: bobbybe01
I think this question is gay....of course they should be able to donate blood...
Originally posted by: aplefka
This thread has 7 pages of replies? What the hell is gonna happen to you? Are you gonna become gay too?
And how are they more prone to get diseases?
Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Absolutely. I've tried to donate blood several times, and I'm turned away (of course) every time. It's stupid. I've had some friends and family that have needed blood... but I wasn't allowed to donate any.
:anger;
