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14th April 2023
04:50pm BST
A male GP was turned away from a blood donation clinic after he refused to answer a question asking if he was pregnant.
Dr Steffen McAndrew, 41, was attempting to donate blood at a Scottish NHS appointment at the medical centre in Ayr, Scotland, on Tuesday evening.
As part of the donor health check, patients are asked: "Are you pregnant or have you been pregnant in the last six months?"
But Dr McAndrew refused to answer this.
As the question was mandatory, he was not able to proceed with the blood-giving process.
He told the Herald newspaper: "I can't believe they would refuse a donation from a man based on the fact I refused to say if I was pregnant.
"I just wish basic common sense could be applied in these situations. A man can't be pregnant.
"I can understand those who have suggested, ''just tick the box'', to enable a donation. However it is the principle of the matter."
Dr McAndrew said he refused to answer the question because he didn't want to "placate the gender brigade."
He explained: "I have a nagging feeling that it is political correctness 'gone too far', trying to placate and pacify the gender-brigade.
"I am hugely supportive of the Blood Transfusion Service. They are vital to the day to day operation of the NHS.
"But I really think they are shooting themselves in the foot with this."
Last month, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) urged people to donate to make sure blood supplies don't become depleted.
A spokeswoman for the SNBTS explained they said ask potential blood donors if they are pregnant "for donor safety," adding that the question had been in place since April 2022.
They said: "Since April 2022, SNBTS asks all donors to complete the following question on the donor health check ‘Are you pregnant, or have you been pregnant in the last six months?’.
"This question is asked for donor safety. Giving blood may be harmful for individuals who are pregnant, or who have been pregnant recently.
"We appreciate that for many donors (including some female donors such as post menopausal donors) this question will not be relevant."
The spokeswoman said that the wording of the question would be updated to "Are you pregnant, or have you been pregnant in the last six months? (If not applicable, please tick no)" following donor feedback.
"This is likely to be implemented at the next donor health check update due in Summer 2023," she added.
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