Minimizing risk not discrimination

I would like to draw attention to Chelsea Howard’s article “Gay blood no good” on November 5, 2009. I understand this is a little late, but it’s hard to respond when you’re overseas.

As a former Canadian Blood Services employee whose cousin is gay, I can understand both sides of the debate. But what really irks me is how people just automatically jump on the “gay discrimination” bandwagon without reading between the lines first.

First of all, look at the tainted blood scandal. The whole reason why CBS was set up was in response to the scandal.

When something of this magnitude happens, it is natural for people to be extremely prudent when it comes to letting blood products into the supply.

The fact is, the largest HIV population in Canada (not the world) is men who have sex with men according to Stats Canada. If my girlfriend were to get a tattoo now, she would not be able to donate blood for an extended period of time.

Heck, I am unable to donate blood myself having recently returned from the United Kingdom where they are still worried about Mad Cow Disease.

The other problem is CBS is responsible for the collection of blood products; they do not make or enforce the rules.

Health Canada regulates CBS and does numerous audits on them and these are very strict. In essence, they are the ones who set the rules as to what blood should be collected and what should not.

Therefore, if you feel that CBS is discriminating against the men who have sex with men populous, you should be directing your complaints to Health Canada.

Is it unfortunate? Yes. Is it discriminatory? No. It’s called risk management.

Kyle Turner