E. Warren, T. Baldwin, T. Harkin, Barbara Lee, Mike Quigley co-sponsor bill to repeal gay blood ban

"U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Elizabeth Warren, and Tom Harkin, U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley, and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee – all Democrats – are the sponsoring signatories on a letter signed by 80 Democratic members of Congress calling for the full repeal of the ban on gay men donating blood.

The letter, addressed to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, spans four pages, plus another five of signatures, and states they are "steadfastly committed to ending the outdated MSM blood donation policy and moving forward with securing the nation's blood supply in a scientifically sound manner."

The lawmakers add, "we must embrace science and reject outdated stereotypes."

One FDA panel last month recommended moderating the ban, allowing gay men who have been celibate for one year to donate blood, but another refused to even vote on any recommendation of changes, leaving the ban fully in place."

http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/80_democratic_members_of_congress_demand_repeal_of_gay_blood_ban