The ACT Government has today welcomed the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's transition to gender‑neutral blood donation assessments, which will allow more people to donate blood and platelets safely.
From today, Lifeblood will ask the same sexual activity questions of all donors, regardless of gender. This change means many gay and bisexual men and transgender people in long‑term, monogamous relationships can now donate blood or platelets for the first time, under the same safety criteria as other donors.
The change marks an important step forward for equality and inclusion in Australia's healthcare system, particularly for the LGBTIQA+ community. It's a reform that builds on a series of changes over recent years aimed at improving inclusion and accessibility in blood donation, without compromising Australia's world‑leading safety record.
Those who remain ineligible to donate blood and platelets may still be able to donate critical life-saving plasma under Lifeblood's world leading 'plasma pathway'.
Eligible Canberrans are encouraged to consider donating blood, plasma or platelets to help support patients across Australia who rely on these lifesaving donations every day. To book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
"Today's change recognises that people should be assessed on behaviour and evidence, not identity, and it allows more people to safely contribute to something that saves lives.
"Asking the same questions of all donors is a simple but powerful change. It ensures people are treated with dignity and respect, and that donation rules are based on evidence, not stigma.
"A safe and reliable blood supply depends on encouraging as many eligible people as possible to donate. This reform modernises donor assessments, removes unnecessary barriers, and supports a more inclusive blood donation system, while maintaining the highest safety standards."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Rachel Stephen‑Smith:
"I commend Lifeblood and the Therapeutic Goods Administration on their latest inclusive reform, which will mean more people can donate and give much-needed blood and platelets to others.
"This is a modern, evidence‑based change that improves access to donation while keeping patient safety front and centre.
"Donor safety and patient safety will remain paramount. While screening questions are changing, the rigorous testing of every blood and plasma donation will continue."
Quotes attributable to Minister Chris Steel:
"The previous rules effectively prevented gay people from donating blood, unless they didn't engage in any sexual activity at all.
"This is a significant step forward for fairness and common sense. Blood donor assessment should be about risk, not sexual orientation.
"The LGBTIQIA+ community and the ACT Government has campaigned for risk-based assessments in the blood donation process for many years, and we commend Lifeblood and the TGA for their work to make this change happen.
"I hope these reforms encourage more eligible people to consider donating blood and platelets and contribute to Australia's blood supply."
