Charity is nothing more than an act of giving. The sense of selflessness and heroism we often seek can be achieved by a simple sacrifice; and despite everything we may have to offer, the truest gift is that of oneself.
According to recent information from America’s Blood Center, 4.5 million medical patients require blood transfusions in the United States and Canada each year, and 43,000 pints of donated blood are used each day. One in seven people admitted into a hospital will need blood, and one blood donation can save three lives. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the College Democrats are teaming up with the College Republicans and EcoSense to host a blood drive through the American Red Cross. Each of us has something to give, and this altruistic deed, the gift of a blood donation, is one that can mean the difference between life and death.
Now, you and I both know that a good thing is never without drawbacks. In choosing to give blood, we risk discomfort, fear and weakness. We risk having to give up a coveted afternoon nap to wait in a crowded line and eat a bag of pretzels. And, though we may not be aware of it, we risk supporting a controversial policy that with which many of us do not agree.
In 1985, the Food and Drug Administration enacted a policy banning gay men from donating blood through any United States organization, including the Red Cross. As a panicked response to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and perceived isolation of the HIV virus to the gay male community, the FDA made the only decision they felt they could. To this day, any man who has had sex with another man even once since 1977 is excluded from the blood donation process. This is a homophobic policy. Though it may have seemed sensible in 1985, there is no reason why the FDA should continue to uphold this policy year after year. Medical testing has improved dramatically since the 1980s, and we are now able to test blood for HIV/AIDS in a matter of days. In fact, donated blood currently undergoes routine testing for 11 infectious diseases, including HIV. The FDA is allowing their judgment to be informed by worn out prejudices instead of reliable science.
The United States constantly battles a shortage of donated blood, and allowing queer, bisexual and gay men to give blood would greatly increase the blood supply. Sadly, if you are a patient who has been in a car accident, had a Caesarean section or are suffering from an immune disease, you will not even be given the option to accept blood from a healthy donor with a matching blood type if he happens to have had sex with a man sometime in the last 30 years. You may be out of luck.
The truth is, this policy is regrettable and–dare I say–offensive. But that doesn’t change the fact that thousands of Americans need blood every day or that we can make a tiny sacrifice and maybe save a life. I ask you to please sign up for the drive and give blood on Tuesday, not in silent agreement with the gay blood ban, but in solemn protest. If you have an openly gay friend or family member who would be willing to give blood and is denied that right, go in his place. Prejudice and fear are no excuse for the loss of lives. You have the power to effect change — don’t waste it.
Please visit https://membersforlife.org/rccm/bdc/login.php, click “Donors Login Here” and enter sponsor code 13205 to schedule your life-saving donation. The drive will take place in the McDowell Formal Lounge from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 23.
Maggie Campbell is the Director of AU Dems for LGBT rights. Responses can be directed to edpage@theeagleonline.com
