The Supreme Court questioned the exclusion of transgender persons from donating blood, calling it discriminatory and lacking a scientific basis. It urged the Centre to find a balanced solution that ensures safety without stigmatizing communities.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court questioned the exclusion of transgender persons from donating blood, calling it discriminatory to label an entire community as "risky." The court urged the Centre to address these concerns without compromising medical safety.

The court was hearing petitions challenging National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) guidelines that bar transgender people, men having sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers from donating blood due to perceived high risks of HIV and other infections.

Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh stressed that not all transgender individuals engage in risky behavior and warned against further stigmatization. The Court urged the Centre to revisit the guidelines, stressing that public health safeguards must not lead to social exclusion. The bench emphasized the importance of evolving scientific methods and technology to ensure safety without perpetuating stigma.

The matter originated from petitions, including one filed by Manipur-based transgender activist Thangjam Santa Singh, challenging the constitutionality of the 2017 guidelines.

(Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cant-brand-all-transgenders-risky-sc-tells-centre-on-blood-transfusion-norms-101747229506627.html )