criteria for donating blod
@starchild2230 (71)
July 12, 2008 3:41am CST
Hi people. Hope you are all well today.
Was wanting to know other people's experiences and views on giving blood.
As a gay man in the UK I am not allowed to donate blood.
I am allowed to be an organ donor though.
Apparently I can't give blood because I belong to a sector of society deemed to be participating in unsafe practices.
Heterosexual people appear to be a more sensible option for the blood bank. However, I have been in a secure and steady relationship for 8 1/2 years, where some of my straight friends have different partners every weekend.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
12 Jul 08
You would think today they would have a more updated view about this as straight people can have the same problems as gay people, there should be tests availbable to everyone, I would love to give blood but I am such a sook and faint at the sight of needles and blood....I hope things change for you in the future if that is what you want...
@starchild2230 (71)
•
12 Jul 08
Thanks for the welcome xx
Found out that giving blood isn't as safe as you might think. Apparently the donated blood, when sitting in that bag, loses nitrous oxide, causing blood vessels to constrict. There have been studies showing a higher risk of heart attacks when having received blood.
So the Jehovas witnesses might have the right idea when they refuse such things.
@powerbrokenape (399)
• United States
12 Jul 08
That sounds very unfair. As long as you don't have any diseases, I don't see what the problem is. I think it's wrong for your government not to allow you to donate blood just because you aren't heterosexual.
