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STATEMENT: American Red Cross Statement Regarding FDA Policy On Men Who Have Sex With Men:
WASHINGTON, Friday, June 01, 2007 — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a restatement of their position regarding the male to male sex deferral issue, which confirmed their informal statements at previous Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) meetings.
The FDA has stated that they will continue to review new scientific evidence as it becomes available and may revisit this issue in the future. While we are disappointed that they have not chosen to make changes at this time, we intend to continue to work through the AABB to press for donor deferral policies that are fair and consistent and based on scientific evidence, while protecting patients from potential harm.
A joint statement from the Red Cross, AABB and America's Blood Centers regarding this issue can be found at:
http://www.aabb.org/Content/Members_Area/Members_Area_Regulatory/Donor_Suitability/
bpacdefernat030906.htm.
The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply (collecting more than 6 million units a year from volunteer donors) to patients in 3,000 hospitals across the country through its national network. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Red Cross must collect blood donations each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders, and the organization works to accomplish this through its 36 Blood Services regions. Please call today to make your appointment to give the gift of life. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule your donation or to sponsor a blood drive.
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