(Montreal) Health Canada approved, on Tuesday, Héma-Québec’s request for blood donation based on a more inclusive approach to donors.
Posted at 3:19 p.m.
Thus, risk assessment in terms of sexual behavior will be done on an individual basis rather than on membership of a group that would be considered to be more “at risk”.
Héma-Québec, which welcomed Health Canada’s approval, said the new approach would come into effect on December 4.
The amendment will eliminate the current three-month general exclusion period for all men who have had sex with men and, instead, exclude all donors who have engaged in risky sexual behavior instead. , regardless of their gender identity or sexuality, explains Health Canada in a press release.
“As the regulator responsible for ensuring the safety of Canada’s blood system, Health Canada has reviewed the application to ensure that any proposed changes are based on sound scientific evidence and meets Canada’s high blood safety standards. The safety of recipients of donor blood remains Health Canada’s top priority,” the organization said in a statement.
Héma-Québec, for its part, notes that a similar approach has already been in force in the United Kingdom since June 2021 and that “the new measure has no negative impact on supply”.
“In 2015, we promised to end the discriminatory ban on blood donation for men who have sex with other men. Since then, our government has invested in several research projects to arrive at today’s decision and that of last April,” commented Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a press conference in Vancouver. .
“It’s another step in the right direction that all Canadians can donate blood safely, without discrimination. This is good news for everyone,” he added.