Andy Cohen all for lifting the ban on blood donation by gaysStigma over science

American talk show host Andy Cohen, who recently recovered from COVID-19, has called on the FDA to lift its three-month waiting period for gay and bisexual men to donate blood and plasma.

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While broadcasting his show Watch What Happens Live from his home, Cohen recounted his recent rejection from a programme that organises plasma donations to treat the infected individuals. Cohen was not allowed to donate due to the FDA’s restrictions on blood and plasma donations, a policy implemented in the 1980s during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“This virus is ravaging our planet. The FDA says there is an urgent need for plasma from survivors. All donated blood is screened for HIV, and a rapid HIV test can be done in 20 minutes or less. Why are members of my community being excluded from helping out?”