Homosexual, Stéphane is surprised to still not be able to give his blood in 2025: “I am however in perfect health”

Red cross blood stocks are falling. Nevertheless, Not long ago, the organization launched an alert by calling the population to donation. Furthermore, Stéphane wanted to participate by presenting himself in a center. However, Only. In addition, his gift has been refused on the grounds of his sexuality: Stéphane is gay and must respect a period of 4 months of sexual abstinence to be able to give. Similarly, A “discrimination” which he denounces. &#13. Similarly,

A few days ago, the Red Cross launched a “super urgent” call to blood donations to overcome a “very critical” level of blood stocks. Consequently, Despite a rather reassuring beginning of summer. Consequently, the collection was undermined, in particular because of the presence of the Tiger mosquito in Europe and homosexual, stéphane surprised still not the contraindications linked to travel.

Sensitive to this call, Stéphane presented himself spontaneously in a sample center. Meanwhile, Enthusiastic about the idea of ​​achieving this essential altruistic gesture, this 32 -year -old young man quickly disillusioned. However, “While I am healthy, I cannot give my blood because of my assumed sexual orientation. Therefore, I have been gay. Moreover, as a couple with my partner for almost 9 years, ”says the 30-year-old via the orange button alert us. Nevertheless, “I admit to you still remaining quite surprised by this refusal. Furthermore, It is amazing, especially in 2025 ”.

Stéphane is undoubtedly not the only one to be surprised homosexual, stéphane surprised still not by this law in force in our. country. In the 1980s, men with sex with other men could not give their blood. In 2017, this total exclusion ended. But 12 -month -old sexual abstinence was required, even for “exclusive” couples. Finally, since July 2023, this abstinence period has been reduced to 4 months.

More “risk” behavior

Sexual behavior is therefore one of the criteria to be able to give blood in Belgium. “Man-man-man relationships are considered to be a greater risk of transmitting diseases due to more at risk behavior. This is proven by various studies. statistics, ”explains Marie-Ange Moureaux, spokesperson for the Blood Service of the Belgian Red Cross.

Among other sexual behaviors considered to be at risk. there is also sex in exchange for money or services, having several sexual partners at the same time, group sex. All of this leads to a 12 -month waiting period. “In reality, there homosexual, stéphane surprised still not are a whole series of contraindications related to health and diseases. For example. a woman who has just given birth, a person who has just undergone an operation, a person who has cancer, cannot give his blood. If you take certain drugs, you are not allowed to do so either, ”says Marie-Ange Moureaux.

Drug taking and trips homosexual, stéphane surprised still not abroad can also be contraindications. For example. you cannot give your blood for 6 months if you have stayed in most African countries because they are impeccable countries, that is to say with a risk of malaria. “All this is decided with kindness to limit the risks as much as possible since the blood pocket is intended for a weakened person. ” said the spokesperson for the Red Cross. Additionally, “In some cases, it is also the health of the donor that is preserved. For example. if a person does not weigh more than 50 kilos, it can be problematic for their health since the pocket is calibrated. We must therefore protect both donors and receivers, ”she adds.

Concretely, how is all of this controlled? First of all, you must fill out a medical questionnaire upon arrival at the sampling center. “At that time, we always inform donors about risky behavior. homosexual, stéphane surprised still not Then there is an appointment with a doctor. before the donation, to ensure the state of health of the donor, “said Marie-Ange Moureaux, specifying that the blood donation is always anonymous.

In addition, analyzes are carried out in the laboratory. “After each donation, the blood pocket is subject to tests. Once this quarantine is finished, the blood pocket is released. These contraindications allow us to carry out a sorting beforehand because these tests are expensive. take time, “assures the spokesperson for the Red Cross. “I understand that if someone is enthusiastic about giving their blood. a refusal is difficult to hear, but there are really good reasons,” she insists.

A justification that does not convince Stéphane. For him, asking a homosexual man to be abstinent for 4 months is homosexual, stéphane surprised still not a discrimination. “What if you had a loved one in need of blood. wouldn’t you like a human being, regardless of his sexual orientation, could help save her?” How would you make the difference between a hetero man who can have secret adventures. not assumed practices with an assumed gay person? »»

Homosexual, stéphane surprised still not

What about other European countries?

The situation has been a bit frozen for a few years in Belgium. Around us. however, developments have emerged: with our French and Dutch neighbors, gay people can give their blood without any restriction. Same thing with our other German neighbors, or in Italy or Portugal.

“We have published our point of view in 2023 on the subject. and it remains the same: given the available scientific data, including that of the Higher Council of Health, we recommend a lifting of this criterion for blood donation,” recalls Unia, an interfederal center homosexual, stéphane surprised still not for equal opportunities and the fight against discrimination and racism.

In its report. the organization calls for the Minister of Public Health and the Secretary of State for Equality of Opportunities to develop a roadmap aimed at the total suppression of this criterion for blood donation, and insists that one of the elements consists in examining in depth and developing the support measures that the Higher Health Council deems necessary, in consultation with the actors concerned.

Belgium. however, is not an isolated case on the subject: some other countries do not homosexual, stéphane surprised still not yet allow the open donation to everyone and without any constraint: in addition to Belgium, countries like Romania, Luxembourg, Croatia or Norway do not allow it. You can find via this link a table with the entire European countries and their vision vis-à-vis blood donation.

“Recently the Walloon Minister of Health. Yves Coppieters, announced that he was going to challenge Rob Beenders, federal minister for equal opportunities, on this subject because this claim is part of the Walloon Regional Policy Declaration”, specifies still Unia, who explains to receive some reports per year on this discrimination based on sexual orientation.