Andy Cohen is opening after recently learning that he is unable to donate plasma to help those infected by COVID-19 due to FDA guidelines.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Cohen took a moment at the end of Thursday’s show of Watch What Happens Live” to explain how he tried to sign up for a program that helps COVID-19 survivors donate their plasma, to help others who are battling the virus but was denied.
Cohen, who revealed last month that he was battling COVID-19, and has since made a full recovery, blamed antiquated and discriminatory guidelines for his inability to donate.
Cohen explained that the “new relaxed rules require gay men to abstain from sex for three months, whether they’re in a monogamous relationship or not, before giving blood.” The talk show host emphasized that he finds it hypocritical given there are “no such blanket restrictions” required for heterosexual donors.
“This virus is ravaging our planet,” Cohen said. “The FDA says there is an urgent need for plasma from survivors. All donated blood is screened for HIV. And a rapid HIV test can be done in 20 minutes or less. So why the three-month rule? Why are members of my community being excluded from helping out when so many people are sick and dying?” he asked.
Cohen pointed out that negative stigma against gay men is being valued over science. “My blood could save a life, but instead, it’s over here boiling. This pandemic has forced us to adapt in many ways. We’re quarantining. We’re social distancing. We’re wearing masks. Why can’t we adapt when it comes to this rule?”
