Jehovah’s Witnesses announce adjustment to blood transfusion policy

The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced a change to its policy regarding blood transfusions. Members are now allowed to decide whether or not to accept or donate the four main components of blood - red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets - based on their personal conscience. This decision is stated to be a matter of personal conscience, and each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the purpose of providing components for use by another person.

However, the organisation has not changed its position on whole-blood transfusions, which are still opposed on religious grounds based on the command to 'abstain from blood'.

Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to regard life and blood as sacred gifts from God, and medical decisions involving blood components are seen as a personal matter between each individual and their God, Jehovah. The organisation's World Headquarters in Warwick, New York made the announcement available on its website. The change follows updates regarding blood fractions and the use of one’s own blood during medical procedures.

The adjusted policy is based on the belief that the Bible does not comment on such decisions, making them a matter of individual conscience. Local congregations will not interfere in members’ personal decisions regarding blood, and the organisation continues to respect and support the personal decisions of its members. Jehovah’s Witnesses number over nine million worldwide, and the organisation expresses gratitude for the skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects their personal wishes regarding blood.