Should people with multiple sclerosis be allowed to donate blood?

A couple of days ago I blogged about National Blood Donor Month.

It invites people to become blood donors and at the same time raise awareness of the need for blood donors. All pretty straightforward you might think.

Well not quite. On one multiple sclerosis Twitter feed started a very interesting discussion which I would be valuable to share with the multiple sclerosis community.

@MS_getinformed in Australia people with MS are not eligible to donate blood. @RedCrossAU Can they donate in other countries?

— Nicky Alsemgeest (@nickya73) January 1, 2016

To which the response was

@srzjwalters @MS_getinformed @RedCrossAU It’s a precautionary measure – cause of MS is unknown. I think it’s wise.

— Nicky Alsemgeest (@nickya73) January 1, 2016

The view taken by the Australian Red Cross seems to be

@Calbear95 @MS_getinformed @RedCrossAU this is from the Australian Red Cross website pic.twitter.com/94OxvGdqGY

— Nicky Alsemgeest (@nickya73) January 2, 2016

Okay so what are your views on the subject? Should people with multiple sclerosis be allowed to donate blood?

Please do take part in our poll below. It would be great if you could give more details (or tell us about the situation in your country) using the comments box below.

Thanks very much in advance!