Supreme Court Reviews Blood Donation Guidelines Excluding Transgenders, Gay, and Sex Workers

The Supreme Court has requested a response from the Centre regarding a plea that challenges guidelines preventing transgenders, gay individuals, and sex workers from donating blood. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud issued the notices to the Union government and relevant health organizations. The plea was filed by activist Sharif D Rangnekar, challenging the exclusion based on perceived risk of HIV and hepatitis infections.

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre on a plea challenging the guidelines that exclude transgenders, gay and sex workers from donating blood.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud issued notices to the Union government, National Aids Control Organisation, and National Blood Transfusion Council.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by activist Sharif D Rangnekar challenging the 2017 guidelines.

The 2017 guidelines exclude transgender persons, men having sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers from being blood donors.

The 2017 guidelines permanently defer these population groups from being blood donors on the grounds of their being at risk of HIV and hepatitis infections or Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI).

(With inputs from agencies.)