Readers React: Protecting patients from HIV-tainted blood

To the editor: One phrase in this article justifies the ban on blood donation by gay men: fear that “someone who does not know he is infected will give.” (“Ban on gay blood donors is a civil rights issue, activists say,” Aug. 17)

More than three decades ago a local hospital never tested donated blood, which was used for all in need, including newborns. A couple I know were then overjoyed at the birth of twins, a boy and a girl.

Because the twins were premature, they were given blood. It wasn’t obvious until two years later that the boy had been given tainted blood.

The girl would run happily about, while the boy walked slowly and didn’t seem happy. A trip to their doctor revealed the terrible truth: That beautiful boy, just starting his life, was infected with HIV.

The picture of that sick child haunts my memory, and he passed away at age 3.

Activists like Ryan James Yezak aren’t being “discriminated” against. He can continue with his noble work of urging eligible people to donate their blood.

Janet Salter, Beverly Hills