Donation equality

More people in Australia can now save lives by giving plasma, a powerful type of blood donation. This includes gay and bisexual men, more transgender people, those taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and many others.

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We’ve made changes so more people can save lives.

What are the changes?

Most people who couldn’t donate under our previous rules about sexual activity can now give plasma with no wait period. Previously, the wait was between 3 and 12 months.

Of course, you still need to meet our other eligibility criteria.

And anyone who is HIV positive or has sex with a HIV positive person still isn’t able to donate.

Blood safety is, and always will be, our top priority. While the previous blood donation rules were necessary to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they’ve contributed to the stigma faced by many people in the LGBTQIA+ community. We hope that, as we work through the process of changing these rules, this will be a turning point for both Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Why the rules in the first place?

The previous rules were introduced in the 1980s to help stop the spread of HIV. Blood services around the world introduced new rules that meant most gay and bisexual men could no longer donate blood. What started with them being unable to donate at all was reduced over time to a 12 month wait (in 2000) and then to 3 months (in 2021).

Why plasma?

Plasma is processed in a way that minimises the risk of an infection being passed on to a patient. Other donation types, like blood and platelets, can’t be processed this way. Also, more plasma is needed in Australia than all other donation types combined. And demand is growing.

Discover plasma

What next?

We have received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to change the eligibility rules for all forms of blood donation. We don’t have a date for the change yet, but once we implement this gender-neutral approach, it means all donors will be asked the same questions, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Learn about gender-neutral assessments

Safety and patients

Medicine made from plasma will still be safe and accessible for everyone who needs it. The only difference for patients? More of the people around them can save lives.

Find out more

Can I donate?

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Donation and gender, sexuality and sexual activity

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Gender-neutral assessments

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Plasma in action: Donor and recipient stories

Michael Klim meets three imperfect blood donors

Michael Klim helps the guys from The Imperfects podcast make their first blood donation.

24 June 2024

man and woman smiling at the top of a mountain

Daniel gives plasma for wife Kylie’s life

Daniel was a plasma donor for more than 15 years, but when his wife was diagnosed with an immunodeficiency, it made his contributions even more important.