Donating blood is a very noble and lifesaving activity, it can provide some needed money in tight situations while fulfilling a need in hospitals. One would rightfully expect that everyone who is healthy and has blood (most people do have blood, after all) should be able to donate.

However, this is not always the case. In many countries, such as the US, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and many others, discriminatory laws are in place.

While each nation is different, the consensus is this: If you are a man who has sex with other men, you cannot donate blood or must remain celibate for several months before donating. These laws are typically linked to HIV/AIDs concerns. These laws are hurtful and make it so that many people cannot donate lifesaving blood for people in need.

While one cannot directly do anything about this problem, spreading awareness is vital to eventual change.