In 1983 the FDA banned gay men from donating blood if they have had sex with another man since 1977 (Thrasher). Some activists believe this ban is harsh and should be repealed. While it would be great if everyone in the country could donate blood, gay men are at a higher risk of contracting certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS. This increased risk makes it unwise to lift this ban. As stated by Mark Skinner in his article Science Should Dictate Policy, “the deferral of blood donors is not a judgment on individuals but is 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 body secretions, especially sexual secretions (Handsfield 157). HIV has an incubation period of 10-20 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 reached the diagnosis of AIDS, it means that that person has reached stage 3 HIV infection. This means that the patient's body has less than 200 lymphocyte cells per mm3 (Handsfield 162). Lymphocytes are a vital part of the immune system (Encyclopedia Britannica) and without them you are susceptible to many respiratory diseases, bacterial infections and even some types of cancer. These are things that a healthy person can combat, but end up being the likely cause of death in an AIDS patient (Handsfield 162). AIDS and HIV are most commonly found among men who have sex with men. This group is often called MSM for short (Handsfield 157). The r...... half of the article......13.Goldsamnt, Lloyd A. “Prevalence of sexually acquired antiretroviral drug resistance in a community sample of HIV-positive men who have sex with men in New York City." Care of Patients with AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases 25.5 (2011): 287-93. Academic research completed. Network. November 15, 2013. Handsfield, Dr. H. Hunter. Color atlas and synopsis of sexually transmitted diseases. 3rd ed. China: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2011. Print."Lymphocytes". Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica online. Encyclopedia 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. page Academic research completed. Network. November 15, 2013.White-Ginder, Jeanne. "AIDS and a son's legacy." Interview by Alex Witchell. The New York Times 24 Sep. 1992: n. page Network. November 15. 2013.