It concerns a donation ban against 2SLGBTB+ communities
It's being called a landmark apology by advocates. Canadian Blood Services has apologized to the 2SLGBTQ+ community for its "harmful" former policies that prevented or restricted men who have sex with men from donating blood for decades.
Dr. Graham Sher, chief executive officer of Canadian Blood Services, said the apology was aimed directly at men who were prevented from donating and the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community — even those who could donate. "We regret that this policy contributed to discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and HIV stigma within society."
The old policy was put into place in the 1980s as a safety measure at a time when HIV was still a new disease and research was just beginning to evolve.
Sher said he hopes the apology will help mend relationships with individuals and communities who were affected by the former policy.
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