Supreme Court Issues Notice Central Govt On Exclusion Of Transgenders, Gays From Blood Donation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked for a response from the Central government on a petition challenging the guidelines that exclude transgenders, gay and sex workers from blood donation.

A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud issued notices to the Union government, National Aids Control Organisation and National Blood Transfusion Council regarding the issue.

This petition was filed by activist Sharif D Rangnekar challenging the 2017 guidelines for blood donation.

The 2017 guideline excludes transgender persons, men having sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers from being blood donors on account of being at risk of HIV and hepatitis infections or Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI).