Germany is slated to relax a ban requiring gay and bisexual men to abstain from sex for a year before donating blood.
The move comes as the coronavirus crisis continues to put pressure on global supplies. Already, other countries have lifted bans on blood donation imposed during the 1980s HIV/AIDS epidemic, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
When finally implemented in Germany, men in monogamous same-sex relationships will no longer be restricted from donating blood. However, men who engage in sexual activity with more than one man or with a new male partner, as well as straight people with “frequently changing partners” will still have to wait four months before being allowed to donate blood.
Though the new rules have already been announced, it is unknown when this would specifically take effect.
