He says he is now happy to see the source of angst removed for many.

Lifeblood Australia estimates the change affects 600,000 Australians and anticipates an extra 24,000 donors or 95,000 extra plasma donations as a result.

Ban rooted in HIV transmission fears

“And so as HIV testing improved over time, the deferral for men who have sex with men decreased from indefinite to 12 months … then in 2021 this was reduced to three months.”

First-time donor Johannes felt frustrated that he was unable to donate for years. Source: SBS News / Rania Yallop

Steel is excited to witness the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provide a safe pathway for donating the liquid gold and hopes to encourage thousands to donate.

“They want to help others, and they’ve been prevented from doing so; that changes today, and it’s really great to see this step forward for equality.”

All donors with new or multiple partners will be prohibited from proceeding if they’ve had anal sex in the last three months.

Rolling up their sleeves a ‘step towards equity’

“It’s a step towards equity and I think it’s a reasonable sacrifice to make,” he told SBS News.

Following the rule change, Ben (right) has already enlisted six of his friends to donate plasma. Source: SBS News / Rania Yallop

Ben was accompanied by Johannes, who works in a Canberra hospital and was motivated to add to the plasma supply after seeing the impact on recipients first-hand.

“I’m at the giving side of blood products, and I know how life-saving it can be to have them, whether that’s plasma or red blood cells,” Johannes said.

‘Felt braver’: Life-changing plasma

For years, a rare primary immune deficiency left her unwell, bedridden and frequently visiting the hospital.

Hayley Teasdale uses two vials of plasma a week, the equivalent of 100 plasma donations, to boost her immunocompromised body. Source: SBS News / Rania Yallop

Now, the equivalent of 100 plasma donations a year, has meant she can live a full and active lifestyle and keep up with her three-year-old daughter.