Following New Zealand’s decision to remove its longstanding restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men, Australians are urging for similar changes to be implemented across the ditch.
Medsafe, New Zealand’s medicines and medical devices authority, confirmed that new donor assessment criteria would replace the current restrictions, with the final step of the transition set to be completed by next year.
Currently, in New Zealand, gay and bisexual men—as well as men who have sex with men—have been required to abstain from sex for at least three months before being eligible to donate blood.
However, this will change by early next year following Medsafe’s approval of a new donor assessment system. Under these changes, the New Zealand Blood Service will begin collecting donations under the updated criteria in 2026.
Advocates say the move will not only help reduce discrimination in blood donation policies but also increase the supply of much-needed blood and plasma donations.
In Australia, the Let Us Give campaign is pushing for similar changes, praising New Zealand’s decision and calling for Australia to follow suit. Currently, Australia maintains the same three-month deferral period for donations from gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and some non-binary individuals who have sex with men.
On its website, Let Us Give highlights that these restrictions are based on “outdated fears about HIV infection” rather than individual risk assessments.
Spokesperson Rodney Croome congratulated New Zealand on its progress while urging Australia to take similar steps.
“We congratulate New Zealand’s blood authorities for taking a step that will mean a new source of safe blood for New Zealanders in need and less discrimination in blood collection.”
“New Zealand now joins the UK, US, Canada, and an increasing number of other countries that assess all donors for their individual sexual risk, rather than barring entire groups regardless of individual risk.”
Croome warned that if Australia does not act soon, its blood donation system could be seen as “archaic, inefficient, discriminatory, and out-of-step” with global best practices.
There is hope that Australia may soon follow suit. Let Us Give has noted that the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Service has formally requested the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to lift the current restrictions and allow donors to be assessed based on their individual risk factors.
If approved, such a move could significantly boost blood and plasma donations while also ensuring a fairer and more inclusive system for all Australians.
