UK: gay men sought as donors

UK blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan has called on gay and bisexual men to donate blood stem cells.

Unlike with standard blood donation where there is a blanket ban on gay men donating, there are is no ban concerning blood stem cells and donors are screened based on behaviour rather than sexuality.

Currently around 1600 Britons are waiting for compatible donors for blood stem cells and marrow but only half of those needing transplants will ever get one and the charity is hoping that gay men barred under the blanket ban will help save some of those lives.