You are reading

AOC and Maloney Call on FDA to Accept Blood Donations From Gay/Bisexual Men

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Photo: Wiki Commons)

April 1, 2020 Staff Report

Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise its policy of turning away blood donations from gay and bisexual men in light of the long-term impacts of the coronavirus crisis on the nation’s blood supply.

The pair, who both represent portions of western Queens, wrote a letter to the agency calling for the FDA to change its current policy.

“This antiquated policy is not based on current science, stigmatizes the LGBTQIA+ community, and undermines crucial efforts to increase the nation’s blood supply as the United States grapples with the coronavirus crisis,” they wrote.

More than 4,000 blood drives across the United States have been canceled due to coronavirus, resulting in approximately 130,000 fewer donations, Maloney and Ocasio-Cortez said. The New York Blood Center alone, they said, reportedly canceled more than 600 blood drives, resulting in approximately 25,000 lost potential donations.

The pair argue that the current FDA policy unnecessarily restricts blood donations.

Revising the current restriction could result, they said, in as many as an estimated 615,000 additional pints of blood being donated each year.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (Photo: Wiki Commons)

FDA’s policy is not based on current science, the pair says. They argue that the policy prevents “low-risk individuals from contributing to our blood supply” and “is not based in science but appears to be modeled after other countries’ choices and fears.”

“In light of the potential long-term impacts the coronavirus outbreak may have on the nation’s blood supply, we urge FDA to act swiftly in revising its policy so every person who can safely donate blood in the United States has the opportunity to do so,” the Members wrote.

The pair requested a briefing from the FDA regarding its current policy, any plans to revise this policy, and efforts to ensure adequate supply as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

email the author: [email protected]

3 Comments

Click for Comments 
E Edwards

Mac…..
At one time I lived on a planet among hard working, decent, civic minded, law abiding people. I’m starting to believe I may have been kidnapped by aliens and sent to an alternate universe….

Reply
Mac

Edwards- What planet are you living on? Fox Fantasy World? 1-Maloney is not talking about HIV infected people donating blood. 2-America has always imported poverty. Pick up a history book. Visit the tenement museum or Ellis Island. 3-Open boarders? Which version of open boarders are you talking of ? Open boarders runs the gamut of the political spectrum.. Go back to Fox Entertainment and find out which open boarders policies you should be touting and provide us with some type of details.

3
5
Reply
E Edwards

There are new drugs that have saved the lives of numerous people afflicted with HIV. While these medications are highly effective at preventing the onset of the disease …they DO NOT ERADICATE the virus nor are they a CURE. They allow most people afflicted with HIV to lead normal lives and test undetectable for the virus. BUT that doesn’t mean they do not carry the virus. Would AOC or Maloney want their child exposed to blood potentially infected ? I guess the SCIENCE doesn’t matter in this case eh? Isn’t time to stop this insanity…..open borders….importing poverty…identity politics….rewarding bad behavior instead of success ………………we are already a 3rd world country in many regards and it may be too late to turn things around Wake up!

7
2
Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Op-Ed: Invest in our children in next year’s budget

Dec. 7, 2023 By Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas

Eighty-five percent of brain development happens during the first three years of life. For young children who need additional support, interventions like speech, occupational and physical therapies can create positive changes that have a lifelong impact on their social, physical and emotional health, as well as their success in school and beyond. That’s why New York’s Early Intervention program was created – to provide New York families with accessible resources to help their young children meet their developmental goals and thrive.

“New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” with Matt Koff

Dec. 6, 2023 by Jill Carvajal

The “New York’s Funniest Stand-Up” competition recently celebrated its 15th year as part of the annual New York Comedy Festival both founded by Caroline Hirsch of Caroline’s on Broadway. New York’s Funniest and previous winners have gone on to become some of the biggest names in comedy.

Buy ‘Made in Queens’ this holiday season

Dec. 1, 2023 By Tammy Scileppi

Seems as if the holiday season is coming upon us quicker than ever! And if you’re running out of thoughtful ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers, here are some tempting offerings, courtesy of those innovative Made in Queens (MiQ) folks.