A Fredericton man is calling for policy overhaul after learning he may not be eligible to donate organs because of his sexual orientation.
Kody Carlson’s grandfather is ill. He says doctors have been asking family members about the possibilities of donating part of their liver.
“I’m a male relative and I’m also young, so I’d be a really good candidate,” says Carlson.
However Carlson says that because he is a gay man, donating an organ isn’t a sure thing.
Canadian Blood Services general policy is that men who have sex with men are not eligible for organ donation, unless they’ve gone more than five years without any sexual contact with a man.
“Knowing about the policy from reading it is a lot different from having it directly impact your family,” says Carlson.
Carlson contacted Canadian Blood Services and the organization responded saying there could be exceptions to that rule, because there is such a need for donors.
Canadian Blood Services says an attending physician would have to agree to override the ban, with the patient’s permission. That gives Carlson some hope.
“But I also know we’re taking a chance. We could have a homophobic doctor, it’s not guaranteed that they won’t deny us, and they do have the grounds to deny us because I have had sex with men in the last five years. So it remains a homophobic policy, and no family should have to worry about whether or not they will be discriminated against.” Carlson continues.
Carlson wrote an open letter to Fredericton Liberal MP Matt DeCourcey, asking for an end to the ban.
DeCourcey’s office did not return calls from CTV Atlantic on Friday, but other politicians have reached out to offer support to Carlson.
“I think the whole policy, the whole rule needs to be reviewed in light of where we are today compared to where things stood years ago when that rule was brought in,” says NB Green Party leader David Coon.
“We’re still exploring all our options and seeing who else might be able to donate, but if it comes down to me being the only possible donor we’ll just have to hope,” says Carlson.
For now Carlson is left hoping; that a policy he feels is out of date will be removed and that his grandfather will get the help he needs.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
