Portuguese homosexuals can donate blood

USPA NEWS - The Ministry of Health of Portugal has authorized the Portuguese homosexuals can donate blood, something that until now were prohibited. The decision was made following a recommendation by the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplant.

The IPST (Acronym Institute) unanimously agreed this month to end the permanent cessation of blood donations from homosexuals, which was in force. In a report entitled 'Risk behaviors that impact the safety of the blood', the IPST advocates for the "cessation of the definitive suspension of donating blood for men who have sex with men." The Portuguese Ministry of Health has accepted the recommendation and announced that soon the protocols that will allow Portuguese homosexuals donating blood is established.

However, to ensure the safety of donations the Portuguese Ministry of Health will establish mandatory assessments of each case before donation. With general criteria, homosexuals should be subjected to a "temporary suspension of six to twelve months since the last sexual contact and six months when they have new partners." The IPST, who had been accused of discrimination of homosexuals, believes that "sexual contact with men of men" is a "risk factor" and stresses that "the prevalence of AIDS is significantly higher in men who have sex with other men."