The agency says asking about sexual behaviour, rather than sexual orientation, will allow it to more reliably assess the risk of infections such as HIV that can be transmitted through infusions. It also says the shift comes after “countless hours” of work by LGBTQ and other groups, who have long advocated for a change in policy.Ĭatherine Lewis, a spokeswoman for Canadian Blood Services, said: “This criteria change is science-informed and will enable us to be more inclusive about who can donate while, as always, ensuring safe, adequate blood and plasma supplies for patients in Canada.”
