Democrats want FDA to end blood donation ban for gay men after Orlando shooting
The Food and Drug Administration’s decades-old rule preventing gay men from donating blood is being targeted by Democratic members of Congress in the wake of the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 people dead and another 53 injured.
The shooting created increased demand for blood donations, but because of the FDA’s ban, gay men with personal connections to victims couldn’t donate.
For more on the history of the ban, and the numerous legislative and political fights to repeal it over the years, click on the link below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.