Switzerland Lifts Blood Donation Ban on Gay Men

During the peak hysteria and horror of the AIDS crisis it became a common practice to bar gay men from donating blood. This was chiefly due to concerns of spreading HIV at a time when it was poorly understood.

Now, with the advent modern medicine and better screening methods, countries are starting to soften their stance on blood bans. While few countries have lifted their restrictions on gay men all together, some, like the United States, allow gay men to donate blood after a year of celibacy.

According to The Local, as of July 1 Switzerland will also start allowing gay men to donate blood if they've been celibate for a year. The change in policy comes after a request from the Swiss Transfusion SRC last June. Though the SRC admits the change is "far from perfect," it praised the progressive move.