While the Canadian AIDS Society would prefer no deferral period whatsoever for MSM blood donors, we consider Health Minister Philpott’s announcement to be a step in the right direction with a view to ultimately removing any remaining barriers to MSM blood donations.
We also welcome the announcement of a $3M contribution to Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec for behavioural research to ensure non-discriminatory practices, organize an international seminar with health leaders from around the world to discuss blood donor policy and encourage further development of technologies.