Slovakia Still Bars Gay and Bisexual Men from Donating Blood Despite Shortage

Gay and bisexual men in Slovakia remain prohibited from donating blood, even as the country faces blood supply shortages. Three years ago, the Slovak Health Ministry announced it was preparing amendments to a ministerial decree that would address the controversial restriction on blood donation by homosexual and bisexual men. No changes have been made since. Under current Slovak regulations, prospective blood donors must complete a screening questionnaire that effectively excludes men who have had sex with men, a policy that critics argue is outdated and discriminatory. Similar bans, rooted in public health measures introduced during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s, have been lifted or significantly reformed in many European Union countries in recent years, with donors instead assessed on individual risk behavior rather than sexual orientation. Slovakia's continued inaction places it at odds with evolving medical consensus and EU-level guidance, and draws renewed attention at a time when healthcare authorities are calling on the public to donate blood to address dwindling supplies.