In 1983, the FDA banned gay men from donating blood if they have had sex with another man since 1977 (Thrasher). Some activists say the ban is harsh and should be repealed. Although it would be great if everyone in the country could donate blood, gay men are at higher risk of certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS. This increased risk makes removing this ban unwise. As Mark Skinner stated in his article Science Should Dictate Policy, “Blood donor exclusions are not judgments about individuals but are scientifically based.” Policy should not be based on the personal opinions of potential donors, but on scientific facts. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. HIV is transmitted through blood and bodily secretions, especially sexual secretions (Handsfield 157). HIV has an incubation period of 10 to 20 days after exposure to the virus (Handsfield 161) and can cause a variety of symptoms, including unexplained fever, rash, or unexplained weight loss (Handsfield 163). If a patient has been diagnosed with AIDS, this means that he or she has reached stage 3 of HIV infection. This means that the patient's body contains fewer than 200 lymphocyte cells per mm3 (Handsfield 162). Lymphocytes are an essential part of the immune system (Encyclopedia Britannica) and without them, we are susceptible to many respiratory diseases, bacterial infections and even certain types of cancer. These are things that a healthy person might struggle with, but they end up being the likely cause of death for an AIDS patient (Handsfield 162). AIDS and HIV are more common among men who have sex with men. This group is often called MSM for short (Handsfield 157). The r...... middle of article......13.Goldsamnt, Lloyd A. "Prevalence of sexually transmitted antiretroviral resistance in a community sample of HIV-positive men who have sex with men in New York. Care of Patients with AIDS and STDs 25.5 (2011): 287-93. Academic research completed. Internet. November 15, 2013. Handsfield, H. Hunter, MD. Color Atlas and Summary of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 3rd ed. China: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2011. “Lymphocyte” print. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. November 15, 2013 Skinner, Mark. “Science should dictate policy.” US News & World Report August 2010: 10. Web.Thrasher, Steven W. “Blood, Sex and the FDA.” Lawyer 1032 (2009): n. pag.Academic research completed. Internet. November 15, 2013.White-Ginder, Jeanne. "A Son's AIDS and a Legacy." Interview conducted by Alex Witchell. The New York Times September 24, 1992: n. page. Internet. November 15. 2013.