Andy Cohen Rails Against “Antiquated, Discriminatory Guidelines” Preventing Him From Donating Blood

Andy Cohen is sounding off on the “antiquated, discriminatory guidelines” that prevent gay men from donating blood, even amid the coronavirus crisis. On Thursday night’s episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the Bravo star railed against anti-LGBT rules that require gay men to abstain from sex for three months before donating blood plasma. As a COVID-19 survivor, Cohen has antibodies that could save those still battling the virus, but instead, he’s denied the ability to help. “My blood could save a life, but instead, it’s over here boiling,” he said.

Last night, Cohen got personal about his coronavirus journey during his daily “Moment of Mazel.” The WWHL host explained that after he recovered from the novel coronavirus, he signed up for a plasma donation program for survivors. However, due to guidelines by the FDA to prevent HIV, he was told that he’s “ineligible to donate blood” because he’s gay. “Even the new relaxed rules require gay men to abstain from sex for 3 months, whether they’re in a monogamous relationship or not, before giving blood, though no such blanket restrictions exist for people of other such sexual orientations,” said Cohen.

“This virus is ravaging our planet. The FDA says there is an urgent need for plasma from survivors,” he said. “All donated blood is screened for HIV, and a rapid HIV test can be done in 20 minutes or less. So, why the three month rule? Why are members of my community being excluded from helping out when so many people are sick and dying?”

Cohen added that the FDA’s guidelines suggest that “we’re valuing stigma over science,” which makes no sense at such a critical moment. “This pandemic has forced us to adapt in many ways,” he said. “Why can’t we adapt when it comes to this rule? … We need to think about this and do better.”

Watch Andy Cohen rail against discriminatory blood donation guidelines in the clip above.

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