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But aren’t these statistical models based on ‘assumptions’ about what men who have sex with men actually do?
Yes, they are. However, not all assumptions are wrong and epidemiologists and statisticians have to make assumptions as they are unable to look at behaviours on an individual level when assessing risk across populations.
Epidemiology and statistical projecting are not exact sciences; however, we believe that the assumptions made in the most recent review were based on the best available research into behaviour and high risk activity at the time.
It is unfortunate that generalisations have to be made and that people have to be categorised and grouped, but we accept that in this instance it was not done in a judgemental or discriminatory fashion, but was necessary in order for sensible decisions about safeguarding the blood supply to be made.
Frequently asked questions
- Isn’t it discrimination to ban gay men from giving blood?
- But HIV isn’t a ‘gay disease’ anymore, is it?
- But aren’t more heterosexual people diagnosed each year with HIV in the UK than gay men?
- What evidence is there that if MSM were allowed to give blood, the risk of HIV being passed on would increase?
- How is it fair that a gay man with one sexual partner is banned, while a heterosexual man can have 300 sexual partners and isn’t banned?
- But aren’t these statistical models based on ‘assumptions’ about what men who have sex with men actually do?
- Shouldn’t people be allowed to assess their own risk when they answer questions before giving blood?
- Aren’t the regulations a blunt instrument? Couldn’t they be refined to increase the number of people who could donate?
- Can’t they test the blood before passing it on?
- Other countries have changed their regulations, why shouldn’t we?
- Back to the Blood donations main page
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