Should The Gay Blood Ban Be Lifted? (LIVE DISCUSSION)

Gay men have been prohibited from donating blood in the U.S. since the 1980s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

Earlier this month, France announced it will lift its lifetime ban on gay men donating blood in the coming months. This follows a similar move by Britain, which abolished its gay blood ban last year, saying it is both discriminatory and unnecessary. Recently the health minister of Northern Ireland responded to Britain's move by arguing that everyone engaged in what is deemed as "high-risk sex" should be banned from giving blood -- for example, people who've had sex with someone in Africa.

When it comes to the blood supply, is there any reason to keep the gay blood ban in the United States? Should it be lifted?

Join us this THURSDAY, June 28, at 4pm EDT for a live discussion. To join the conversation, tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.