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shenmue

(38,599 posts) Thu Aug 14, 2014, 09:20 PM Aug 2014

Teen's eye donation rejected because he was gay [View all]

http://www.advocate.com/health/2014/08/13/after-suicide-gay-teens-eye-donation-rejected-due-sexual-orientation

This story begins with heartbreaking sadness, and then gets even worse.

An Iowa teen committed suicide. Earlier, he had signed up to become an organ donor. They didn't want his eyes, though. Why? Because of a rule dating back to the Reagan era.

Have a fresh box of tissues to hand when you read the story. It's that sad.

10 replies

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Teen's eye donation rejected because he was gay [View all] shenmue Aug 2014 OP

I think there is also a restriction on gay men donating blood also still_one Aug 2014 #1

There is. Still. It's fucking ridiculous. n/t winter is coming Aug 2014 #2

It's always on the questionaire when I donate ballabosh Aug 2014 #3

It may be changed to only a five-year excllusion, but since the poor kid can't answer any questions Yo_Mama Aug 2014 #9

Because with the eyes of a gay man ... 1StrongBlackMan Aug 2014 #4

No, it's because such organs carry higher contagion risks. Yo_Mama Aug 2014 #7

Disgusting. I apologize on behalf of the entire state of Iowa. bullwinkle428 Aug 2014 #5

It's a federal government policy that controls the whole US. Yo_Mama Aug 2014 #8

Can't be having any queer eye for the straight guy in Iowa. Throd Aug 2014 #6

As a Minnesotan I feel it odd to be defending Iowa dflprincess Aug 2014 #10