The clause relating to prohibiting someone 'from donating blood if... their blood would pose a health risk to the recipient' fails to grapple adequately with how blood donation broadly works. Direct transfusion of blood is no longer common; blood is instead donated, screened, processed, and stored in blood banks, where it can then be distributed when needed. Also notably omitted is a mandate for screening of blood to prevent contamination, if risks are to be imposed.

Similarly, the ability of the resolution to achieve its goal – inspired by current (medically unnecessary) prohibitions on gay people donating blood – is diminished by its permission in the second operative clause of discriminatory but facially neutral restrictions (eg restrictions which prohibit someone from travelling abroad). If the goal desired were to be achieved, it would instead require member nations to tailor any restrictions narrowly on medical evidence or after an affirmative risk assessment. The proposal's broad statements are less than effective.

The Office therefore recommends a vote against 'Blood Donation Safety and Equality Act'.

Primary author(s): Imperium Anglorum.