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HIV Researcher Questions Blanket Gay Blood Ban, But Still Endorses It

Hearing resumes in Hobart, Tasmania
 

HOBART, September 29, 2008  –  In a mixed result for gay blood donation campaigners, a senior HIV researcher has labelled the current ban on gay blood donation as “conservative” but still endorsed it.

Under cross examination before the resumed Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal today, Professor John Kaldor of the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, admitted that gay men who have protected intercourse are at lower risk of HIV infection, but that this risk is still higher than for heterosexuals who have unprotected sex. 

He also admitted there is virtually no risk associated with gay oral sex and that a year-long abstinence for gay men wanting to donate blood is “conservative” given that HIV can be detected nine days after infection, but nonetheless supported the current 12 month blanket ban to maintain “public confidence”.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said that Prof Kaldor’s evidence about the risk associated with gay safe sex is biased because his research focus is gay men who already have high rates of HIV.

“The samples of gay men Prof. Kaldor cited were drawn primarily from bars and bathhouses, with almost a quarter admitting they have been paid for sex.

“This is not a representative sample and its high HIV rates should not be the basis for banning all gay men from blood donation.”

Mr Croome said the real threat to public confidence is that the current policy is seen as prejudiced and discriminatory.

He also dismissed as “bizarre” Prof. Kaldor’s claim that a one year abstinence period is necessary because people recall what they did a year ago better than more recent events.

“If Prof Kaldor has confidence in his own scientific results about oral sex and the abstinence period he would have called for a review instead of finding irrelevant reasons to fall in line with the Red Cross.”

Professor Kaldor has previously been an epidemiological advisor to the Red Cross Blood Service.

He was giving evidence in a case taken by Launceston man, Michael Cain, who was refused the opportunity to give blood in 2003 when he admitted to blood collection officers that he was in a same-sex relationship.

■ Prof Kaldor’s evidence continues tomorrow beginning at 8.45am (23.45 Monday in UK).
 

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