Race Day Live A new law proposed in Kentucky could change how blood donations work in the state. The bill would stop hospitals from using blood that has COVID-19 antibodies or synthetic mRNA, the main component in COVID-19 vaccines.
This would only happen once there’s a test to detect these elements. The bill is being introduced by Republican Rep. Candy Massaroni and two other GOP lawmakers.
Massaroni says the bill is meant to address concerns from people in her district who want more information about the blood they receive.
She mentioned one local expert in blood donations who influenced this decision but did not share their name. Massaroni believes the bill gives families more control over their medical care.
However, health experts, including the FDA, American Red Cross, and leading blood organizations, say there’s no scientific proof that blood from vaccinated donors is harmful.
A report from the CDC in 2022 showed that over 96% of blood donors have COVID-19 antibodies. If this law passes, it could eliminate a large part of the blood supply, creating a serious shortage.
Dr. Claudia Cohn, a blood donation expert, warned that restricting donations based on vaccination status could harm patients and overwhelm the system.
She explained that mRNA in vaccines breaks down quickly in the body and doesn’t affect DNA. According to her, there’s no risk from donating or receiving blood from vaccinated people.
The bill also focuses on giving patients the option to choose “directed blood donations.” This means patients could get blood from specific people they trust.
While this might sound good, organizations like the FDA say directed donations often bring more risks, including delays in treatment. The practice became popular during the HIV/AIDS crisis but is now discouraged unless medically necessary.
Other states like Montana, Wyoming, and Iowa have tried passing similar laws. Most of these attempts failed. The Kentucky bill combines ideas from these past efforts but also introduces unique aspects.
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For example, it would require hospitals to tell patients if mRNA is in the blood supply and offer advice about risks and options once testing is available. It also blocks hospitals from rejecting directed blood donations based on non-medical reasons.
Cohn and other health experts say the fear surrounding vaccinated donors comes from misinformation.
Cohn noted that some patients refuse life-saving blood transfusions because of these fears, which she finds heartbreaking. Blood organizations continue to emphasize that receiving blood from any donor, vaccinated or not, is safe.
The Red Cross and other groups are urging people to donate blood, especially during the winter when supplies typically drop. They stress that vaccinated donors are not a threat and that the blood supply is safe for everyone.
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