Deferral period on MSM blood should be brought into line with GB – Robin Swann

Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA has called for the deferral period on gay and bisexual men donating blood in Northern Ireland to be brought into line with England, Scotland and Wales where it has been reduced from twelve months to three months.  
 
Mr Swann said:
 
“There is no doubting the importance of regularly donating blood.   I have done so for many years myself, and in recent years when I became a Father the importance of doing so has come very close to home, as my son has been the recipient of blood transfusions both in Northern Ireland and England. 
 
“It is vital that we ensure we maximise the number of potential donors.  Great Britain has moved to a position where the deferral period for gay and bisexual men donating blood has been reduced from 12 months, to three.  I believe that Northern Ireland should come into line with this as soon as possible.”

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