Our involvement
In light of all of the best available epidemiological evidence, Sabot believes that a one year deferral for MSM since the last time they had oral or anal sex with a man will continue to protect the UK blood supply from infection while continuing to demonstrate that the restriction is based on sexual behaviour and not sexual orientation. This 12 month deferral is also in line with other current criteria for deferral such as sex with a sex worker or a person who has had sex in a high prevalence area such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
We support the recommendations of the review on the grounds that the decision is based on the best available scientific evidence currently available and we urge gay and bisexual men to abide by the new regulations.
We advocate that Northern Ireland should reconsider its decision not to adopt the recommendations.
Our actions
Terrence Higgins Trust, alongside NAT, GMFA and Stonewall, worked with the National Blood Service and the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) on the review, which we had called for, and which has been taking place over the past two years. Our Chief Executive sat on the committee which examined the evidence along with other community representatives and patients who use the National Blood Service.
We have been actively involved in making recommendations for the future and in ensuring research was undertaken into gay mens' understanding of the regulations and their decision-making based on various options, so that social research ran alongside the scientific evidence.
We encourage everyone to abide by the new regulations and call on all gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) to work with us to reduce the risks of blood-borne viruses within gay sex to a level where the regulations can again be changed.