The Supreme Court indicated reluctance to interfere with the Union Government’s policy restricting blood donation by transgender persons, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers under the 2017 blood donor guidelines.
The Centre informed the Court that expert bodies such as the National Blood Transfusion Council and National AIDS Control Organisation had reviewed the policy and found the restrictions necessary to protect recipients from infection risks.
Petitioners argued that the policy is discriminatory and ignores modern screening technologies.
However, the Court observed that even a minimal risk to patients dependent on public blood banks must be carefully considered before altering such guidelines.
[Thangjam Santa Singh v. UOI & Ors.]
