We all know what a great feeling it can be when blood is donated and used to help those in need and can be used to save lives every day. But how did donating blood start? When were the regulations put into place and why do we have them?

In 1901, Dr. Karl Landsteiner made the discovery that not all blood is the same. The past proved this with multiple failed blood transfusions for several years and in 1901, Dr. Landsteiner was able to identify and understand the four main blood types that we know today; type A, AB, B, and O.

In 1915, sodium citrate was discovered to be an anticoagulant. This took blood transfusions from direct (or vein to vein) to indirect and also led to the later discovery of blood storage. This then led to the UK’s first “blood bank.”

In 1921, the first voluntary blood donation for the British Red Cross at King’s College Hospital in London.

In 1936, the world’s first blood bank opened at Cook County Hospital, Chicago by Bernard Fantus.

In the 1940’s, with World War II running rampant, regional transfusion centers were opened and thousands do their part in donating blood for the wounded.

Here’s the interesting part.

In 1981, the first cases of AIDS came to light and was first called GRID (Gay-Related Immunodeficiency Disease) due to the frequency among Gay Men but was later re-named AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

In 1986, regular screening begins for HIV, AID, and Hepatitis C.

Since 1983, there has been a ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood for fear of the spreading the HIV and AIDS virus. This was implemented because there was little known about the virus and the spread of it, at the time.

The tragedy in Orlando has brought back to light a good point; why can’t gay and bisexual men give blood? With all those that were injured who needed blood, and others that may or may not have been affected by this tragedy willing to donate their blood and plasma, some were not able to donate because of an outdated law that banned them from helping in one of the simplest forms. Many tweeted stating that it was easier to buy a gun than to donate blood in United States.

That will (hopefully) soon be changing. Democratic lawmakers Jared Polis of Colorado and Alan Grayson of Florida have joined the movement to lift this ban with the Food and Drug Administration. With the technological advancements and the continuation of these advancements, we are better equipped to identify these types of viruses and prevent the spread of them as well.

In my opinion in this day and age, it is discrimination to tell a gay or bisexual man that they cannot donate blood because of their sexual orientation that relates to an outdated and (for that time period) a “stereotypical” law. Some laws are absurd and need to be reviewed to better suit the decade and society we live in and this should go at the top of the list. There is no reason for this discrimination any longer.

Any person (sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity aside) could carry a blood borne infectious disease and it is time to realize that we have the capabilities to effectively screen for these viruses. Why should we still ban those who want nothing more than to help their society?

#equalityforall