CEIU NVP challenges Health Canada’s new regulations on organ donations

Paul Croes, CEIU National Vice-President for Citizenship and Immigration, has added his voice to those challenging Health Canada’s new regulations on organ donations. The regulations have been criticized by many as unfairly attacking the suitability of organ donations by gay men.

“We all want a safe system of organ donation for transplant patients” said Croes, “that’s a given. But regulations that perpetuate stereotypes about gay men are not acceptable.” Under the new regulations, gay men who have been sexually active over the past five years are considered to be unsuitable organ donors.

“The focus should not be on sexual orientation,” continued Croes, “but on a donor’s actual behaviour. It’s those who engage in risky sexual practices—whether they are straight or gay—that we want to screen out.” In his letter to Health Canada, Croes calls on the department to rescind the offending regulation and replace it with appropriate screening protocols that ensure the safety of transplant patients and respect the entire donor population in Canada.