We all know the paramount significance blood holds in our existence. It’s the life force that sustains us, flowing through our veins like a river of vitality. It carries the secrets of our health, reflecting our well-being and resilience. But what if this scarlet liquid of life runs in need of supply for us? What in case your vital organs are all in perfect health but this medium that transports oxygen and other nutrients to them is incapable of doing so? Scary, right? As per reports, nearly twelve thousand people die on daily basis in India because of a shortage of blood. One other report shows that India collects around 11 million units of blood per 12 months and desires around 15 million. To place it simply, the blood demand in our country outstrips supply by over 400 per cent.

But what if I say you possibly can contribute to saving lives and support in bringing this number down through a straightforward yet one among the noblest deeds of blood donation? But, before you proceed, wait, what’s your sexual orientation and gender? Wondering what that has to do with blood donation? This text will explain. 

Through this text, we aim to enlighten people on the importance of blood donation and its health advantages for donors. We can even discuss the worldwide perspectives on LGBTQ+ blood donation and guidelines in numerous countries regarding LGBTQ+ blood donation in view of Indian policies. 

World Blood Donors Day: A Temporary History 

The primary World Blood Donor Day was observed in 2004, which was followed by its designation as an annual global event by the fifty-eighth World Health Assembly in 2005. The day is now annually celebrated throughout the world on 14 June to boost awareness about blood donation and recognise the contribution of voluntary blood donors in saving lives.

Wondering what significance the date holds? June 14 is the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian biologist and physician thought to be the founder of contemporary blood transfusion. Landsteiner developed the trendy system of classification of blood groups and identified the Rhesus factor, which enables physicians to transfuse blood without endangering a patient’s life.

Importance Of Blood Donation 

Blood donation holds immense importance for several reasons:

1. Saving Lives

Aside from being just noble, donated blood is employed to be utilized in medical procedures, surgeries, and coverings for patients affected by various conditions akin to injuries, cancer, blood disorders, complications during childbirth and anaemia. Accidents and natural disasters may also cause significant blood loss within the survivors and create an urgent need for blood transfusions. By donating blood, individuals can directly contribute to saving another person’s life.

2. Meeting Medical Demand

Blood transfusions are performed day by day in hospitals and medical facilities to deal with emergencies and supply essential treatments. This implies there may be a relentless need for blood in healthcare systems. Regular blood donations help maintain a sufficient and available blood supply to fulfill these medical demands.

3. Supporting Medical Procedures

Many medical procedures, akin to organ transplants, surgeries, and chemotherapy, require blood transfusions to interchange blood loss and support the recovery process. Blood donation plays a significant role in enabling these procedures and improving the probabilities of successful outcomes for patients. Moreover, patients with chronic conditions, akin to thalassemia and sickle cell disease, often require lifelong blood transfusions to administer their conditions. Regular blood donations are mandatory to offer them with the mandatory blood components and enhance their quality of life.

4. Advancing Medical Research

Donated blood can also be essential for medical research and advancements. It enables scientists and researchers to review blood-related diseases, develop latest treatments, and improve healthcare practices.

5. Community Support and Unity

Blood donations foster a way of community support and unity. It brings people together from diverse backgrounds and encourages compassion and solidarity. By donating blood, individuals actively contribute to the well-being of their communities and make a positive impact on society.

Health Advantages Of Donating Blood 

Donating blood not only advantages those in need but additionally offers several health advantages for the donors themselves. Listed here are a few of the potential health advantages of donating blood:

1. Reduced Iron Overload

Excess iron within the body can result in a condition called hemochromatosis, which might cause organ damage. Regular blood donation helps prevent iron overload and reduces the chance of developing hemochromatosis.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Regular blood donation helps maintain healthy iron levels within the body. Excessive iron buildup can increase the chance of heart disease. By donating blood, individuals can reduce their iron stores and potentially lower the chance of cardiovascular issues.

3. Reduced Cancer Risk

High iron levels within the body have been related to an increased risk of cancer. Blood donation helps reduce iron stores, which can lower the chance of developing certain forms of cancers, akin to liver, lung, and colorectal cancer.

4. Improved Blood Flow

Blood donation stimulates the production of recent blood cells. This process helps maintain the viscosity of blood, stopping it from becoming too thick and improving blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.

5. Enhanced Red Blood Cell Production

After donating blood, the body replenishes the lost blood by producing latest red blood cells. This process stimulates the bone marrow, promoting the production of fresh, healthy red blood cells. It may possibly help maintain the optimal functioning of the circulatory system.

6. Health Check-Up

Before donating blood, donors undergo an intensive screening process, including tests for blood pressure, haemoglobin levels, infectious diseases, and other health indicators. This health check-up provides a possibility to discover potential health issues or abnormalities that require medical attention.

7. Improved Emotional Well-being

Donating blood is a selfless act that contributes to the well-being of others. The act of giving can evoke positive emotions, a way of purpose, and fulfilment, which might positively impact mental and emotional well-being.

Blood Donation: For All. By All? 

Historically speaking, some sections of society have been barred from donating blood based on their sexual orientation and gender. The supporters advocate that this ban relies on the chance of high infection caused during blood transfusions. To place it simply, transgenders, men engaging in same sex intercourse and feminine sex staff are the three most distinguished groups that were banned from donating blood across the globe. The ban on gay and transgender people donating blood was introduced within the Nineteen Eighties when information on detecting and transmitting HIV/AIDS was less advanced. At the moment, people weren’t fully aware of the modes of transmission of the virus, and there was no reliable test to detect HIV in blood donations. The fear of HIV transmission led to the exclusion of gay and transgender people from donating blood in lots of countries.  

Nevertheless, various countries have now revised their policies to be more inclusive and updated the screening process that’s similar for all regardless of their sexuality. Let’s take a have a look at a number of examples: 

The USA 

In January the US government announced its plans to revise the long-standing blood donation policy. Under the rules, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships can be allowed to donate blood. With the updated guidelines, most gay and bisexual men who’re in a monogamous relationship with a person will now not must wait greater than three months post-sex to donate blood.

Canada 

As per the brand new rules, donors shall be asked in the event that they have had latest or multiple sexual partners within the previous months, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation. Those that say yes shall be asked in the event that they have engaged in ‘higher-risk’ sex. In the event that they have, they may have to wait three months before donating blood.

United Kingdom

The country’s health agency announced that healthy people of any gender or sexual orientation who’ve had the identical sexual partner for at the very least three months are eligible for blood donation.

Israel 

The brand new rules state that each one blood donors regardless of their sexual orientation can have to attend three months ‘after high-risk sex with a brand new partner or multiple partners’.

France 

France in 2022 ended its ban on gay men giving blood and stated that gay men would have the opportunity to donate blood under the identical conditions as heterosexuals, with none reference to sexual orientation or period of sexual abstinence.

The policy revisions reflect progress in human rights, as they promote equality and non-discrimination. They challenge the stigmatisation and stereotyping of LGBTQ individuals and acknowledge that sexual orientation alone shouldn’t determine eligibility for blood donation.

But what about India? Where can we stand on the worldwide platform with regards to blood donation criteria? Let’s dig deep. 

Blood Donation In India

India has had a blanket ban on blood donation by transgenders, men engaging in same-sex intercourse and feminine sex staff for a long time. The argument that these categories are at a better risk of HIV AIDS, Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C infections are shielded by clauses 12 and 51 of Guideline on Blood Donor Selection and Blood Donor Referral, 2017. 

Nevertheless, the constitutional validity of guidelines restricting particular groups was challenged by transgender activist Santa Khurai within the Supreme Court. She and her supporters imagine that “permanently prohibiting transgenders, men having sex with men and feminine sex staff from donating blood solely on the premise of their gender identity and sexual orientation is bigoted, unreasonable and discriminatory”. They’re of the opinion that if anyone desires to donate blood, the federal government should provide facilities and guidelines to screen the blood before taking it. “The federal government cannot goal a gaggle or individual based on their sexuality or occupation”, says Khurai.  

The federal government contends that the rules are based on “scientific evidence”. Citing eight national and international studies and an annual report from 2020-21 of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the federal government defended its stand that “the HIV prevalence amongst transgenders, men who’ve sex with men and feminine sex staff is 6 to 13 times higher than adult HIV prevalence”. 

With these rebuttals, a number of questions remain unanswered. Let me walk you thru them!

1. What about transgenders who are usually not sex staff? This could apply to each transmen and transwomen. 
2. What about cis-heterosexual men who’re married but have sex on the side with other men and should not report such behaviour while counselling? 
3. What about cis-heterosexual men who’ve ‘high-risk sex’ with sex staff? 

The Road Ahead  

Can India gain some insight from countries which have adopted evidence-based risk assessment models as a substitute of blanket restrictions based on sexual orientation? Implementing scientifically informed criteria can ensure a protected blood supply while including LGBTQ individuals who’re low-risk. Using its potential to interact with LGBTQ organisations and communities will be crucial for understanding their perspectives, concerns, and experiences.

India as a rustic could make collaborative efforts that will result in more inclusive policies and higher community trust. Continual monitoring and evaluation of policy changes are essential to evaluate their effectiveness, address any unintended consequences, and make mandatory adjustments. Regular data collection and evaluation can inform evidence-based decision-making and improve the inclusivity of blood donation policies.

Blood is the essence of compassion, because it has the ability to bring life and hope to those in need. It connects us all, intertwining our destinies and reminding us of our shared humanity. With this thought in our minds and the extent of medical advancements, we ask you, readers, what do you stand for? In a world that’s already divided amongst so many groups and strata with thriving marginalisation, what’s your tackle the present policies in our country on blood donation? Remember, a single pint can save three lives, and a single gesture can create one million smiles.