Can Gay People Donate A Kidney?

[kellyt]

Tattoo
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.

Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. There are 32 states that currently regulate tattoo facilities. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.


This comes directly from the American Red Cross in regards to donating blood.   I don't see why organ donation should be any more lenient.

[Wenchie58]

 
What a closed minded world we often live in.  As a very recent kidney recipient....I am far more concerned with the CMV D+/R- situation than my donors sexual orientation.
I have, however, been craving a cold beer since the transplant....something I never craved any other time in my 50 years.  Who knows what I might crave later?? (yes, I am a smart ass) 

[kellyt]

I would not have been concerned with my donor's sexual orientation - only his or her health and blood type!   

[paris]

Escobarak, how is everything going?  Any news on potential donors being tested?  Keep us posted. 



Kitsune, I have worked with three transplant centers and all three asked "Do you drink, smoke or have tatoos?".   They don't reject you if you answer yes, but do discuss it with you.  There still are people who get tatoos from not reputable establishments.   My daughters have tatoos and I like them.  Just never been brave enough to do it myself!

[kellyt]

I'm not a tattoo person myself, but Paris you should TOTALLY get one!!!!!!!   

[okarol]

I would not have been concerned with my donor's sexual orientation - only his or her health and blood type!   

I have to say that I believe you should be concerned about lifestyle choices. Risky behavior, like a man or woman participating with numerous sex partners, for example, can put the recipient at risk for something that may not show up in a lab test now, but could develop later.

[kellyt]

I would not have been concerned with my donor's sexual orientation - only his or her health and blood type!   

I have to say that I believe you  should be concerned about lifestyle choices. Risky behavior, like a man or woman participating with numerous sex partners, for example, can put the recipient at risk for something that may not show up in a lab test now, but could develop later.

 
Excellent point.  I wasn't thinking about what could "develop later".  But then again, that leaves the door open to a lot of stuff!  I mean, who's to say that I or Jenna might not get something later on that we had no idea our donor's were exposed to?   I pray, of course, that's not the case!!!!!

[Treasure]

My wonderful, gay son donated a kidney to me in 2006.

[kellyt]

My wonderful, gay son donated a kidney to me in 2006.

Yeah!      He's truly wonderful!

[okarol]

I would not have been concerned with my donor's sexual orientation - only his or her health and blood type!   

I have to say that I believe you  should be concerned about lifestyle choices. Risky behavior, like a man or woman participating with numerous sex partners, for example, can put the recipient at risk for something that may not show up in a lab test now, but could develop later.

 
Excellent point.  I wasn't thinking about what could "develop later".  But then again, that leaves the door open to a lot of stuff!  I mean, who's to say that I or Jenna might not get something later on that we had no idea our donor's were exposed to?   I pray, of course, that's not the case!!!!!

The good thing is that the transplant team's evaluation was thorough, and her donor's 25 year monogamy certainly rules out many risk factors such as AIDS and HEP B & C.

[Chris]

The difference between live and cadaver donation is the testing time of the blood. With live donors, the center has time to do all the necessary test to check for HIV, Hep B, and so forth because there is time. These test take time for results where as cadaver donation leaves little time without lifestyle known. While an HIV person may pass the quick test done ror cadaver, the more time consuming test can later show other things wrong. An article  that okarol posted, which happened lin Chicago where organs where transplanted by an HIV positive person that did not show up initially, but later showed up and caused the death of I think 3 of the recipeints with the fourth still alive and suing the hospital.

The thing is, even hetrosexual people can lead backdoor lives that can put a recipeint at risk. Quicker and better test are needed for cadaver donation. So if gay people want to donate live organs let them.

[kellyt]

I would not have been concerned with my donor's sexual orientation - only his or her health and blood type!   

I have to say that I believe you  should be concerned about lifestyle choices. Risky behavior, like a man or woman participating with numerous sex partners, for example, can put the recipient at risk for something that may not show up in a lab test now, but could develop later.

 
Excellent point.  I wasn't thinking about what could "develop later".  But then again, that leaves the door open to a lot of stuff!  I mean, who's to say that I or Jenna might not get something later on that we had no idea our donor's were exposed to?   I pray, of course, that's not the case!!!!!

The good thing is that the transplant team's evaluation was thorough, and her donor's 25 year monogamy certainly rules out many risk factors such as AIDS and HEP B & C.

Absolutely!  Those are the big ones!  My team was thorough on those, as well.  Jenna and I are both blessed!  I hope to meet her at one of our future meets.  Maybe......San Antonio?

[KT0930]

When I was listed in late 2001, I had a friend who was gay offer to donate. The team asked me if I was ok with it, reminded us both that extra testing would be done on him that would not be done with my father or brother who were straight, but otherwise, they had no problem with it. Unfortunately, the friend had a family history of diabetes and was denied for that reason.