Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Blood Donation Ban on Transgender, MSM, and Sex Workers

The Supreme Court heard petitions challenging the 2017 guidelines that bar transgender people, men who have sex with men (MSM), and female sex workers from donating blood, citing them as 'at risk' groups. The Centre defended the guidelines, emphasizing public health concerns and expert advice, while petitioners argued the policy discriminates based on identity rather than behavior, noting that all donated blood undergoes testing including Nucleic Acid Testing. The court showed caution about altering the rules, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable recipients.