16/03/2016
Equality Commission response to Court of Appeal decision on blood donation
Following today’s Court of Appeal ruling, the Commission looks forward to a decision on this matter now by the Minister and his Department in accordance with the medical evidence.
The Commission’s position has been that a ban on blood donations from any group must be based on clear medical evidence and the extent and duration of the ban must be proportionate to the level of risk identified.
The Commission considers that the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men living in Northern Ireland is inconsistent with the Department of Health’s practice of accepting donated blood from Great Britain, where such men are permitted to donate blood after a 12-month deferral.
Further information: