The Red Cross is encouraged by this action, which we view as an interim step to achieving our greater goal. Food and Drug Administration reduced the deferral time for men who have sex with men (MSM) from 12 to three months. As such the Red Cross believes blood donation eligibility should not be determined by methods that are based upon sexual orientation and is committed to working with partners toward achieving this goal. The American Red Cross seeks to build an inclusive environment that embraces diversity for all those who engage with our lifesaving mission. Food and Drug Administration’s guidance “Revised Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Blood and Blood Products” which outlines the deferral criteria for men who have had sex with men (MSM): ApThe American Red Cross issued the following statement regarding the U.S.