Switzerland ends extra blood donation restrictions for gay men

Bern: Switzerland has revised its blood donation criteria, eliminating the extra restrictions that were previously placed on gay men wishing to donate blood.

This historic change marks a milestone in the country's approach to blood donation eligibility, as it now treats homosexual and heterosexual individuals equally.

On the first day that these new regulations went into effect, Gabriel Delabays, a representative of the Swiss Liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) and a member of the communal council in the Lausanne suburb of Ecublens, visited a Swiss transfusion centre. He spoke about the emotional significance of this change, saying, "I'm moved that we made it, especially after such a long battle. In some ways, I think this is a small page in a history book that says: On Nov. 1, 2023, Switzerland allowed homosexuals to donate their blood more easily," reported Reuters.

The amended regulations require a four-month waiting period for all individuals after their most recent sexual encounter with a new partner, regardless of their sexual orientation. For those who have had sexual contacts with more than two partners within the last four months, a 12-month waiting period is imposed.

Switzerland's previous policy, dating back to the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, systematically prevented gay men from donating blood. Until 2017, even those who were sexually active with other men were allowed to donate only if 12 months had passed since their last homosexual encounter.

The removal of these extra restrictions is a significant development for the LGBTQ+ community in Switzerland.

Gaé Colussi, regional officer for the French-speaking part of Switzerland at Pink Cross, an organisation representing the interests of gay and bisexual men across the country, expressed their relief, stating, "The main feeling we have is 'finally.' Finally, we can take part in society in this way."

Several other European countries, such as Spain and Italy, have already adopted a more inclusive approach to blood donation, allowing men who have sexual relations with other men to donate without additional restrictions. France also took a step in this direction last year by removing extra restrictions on gay blood donors.

Swiss Transfusion SRC, the organisation responsible for securing Switzerland's blood supply, requested that medical authorities reconsider the eligibility criteria for blood donation. This request was based on a risk assessment of sexual behaviours, the epidemiological situation in Switzerland, and data from countries that had already lifted these restrictions.

SwissMedic, the authority responsible for licensing and monitoring therapeutic products, approved the changes.

SwissMedic emphasised that the new criteria focus on risky behaviour, rather than sexual orientation, as the basis for ineligibility. Their statement read, "The new ineligibility criteria define even more precisely that it is indeed risky behaviour, and not a given sexual orientation, that underpins ineligibility."