Iceland implements gender-neutral blood donor rules

Iceland has implemented new gender-neutral blood donor regulations, which officially took effect on September 1. Approved by the country’s Health Ministry, the rules are designed to allow more gay and bisexual men to donate blood.

Despite the shift toward gender neutrality, the Icelandic Blood Bank maintains specific screening protocols to mitigate the risk of bloodborne infections. Eligibility is determined by assessing recent sexual activity rather than sexual orientation or gender identity. Potential donors are screened based on whether they have had a new partner or engaged in high-risk sexual relations within the previous four months.

High-risk behaviors defined by the blood bank include unprotected sex in short-term relationships, sexual activity with multiple partners, sex in exchange for payment, and chemsex. The screening process also accounts for contact with individuals diagnosed with certain infections or those using viral medications such as PrEP or PEP.