The Jehovah’s Witnesses organisation has reviewed its longstanding rules on blood transfusions, allowing members to decide whether their own blood can be used during surgery or other medical procedures.
Despite the adjustment, the group maintained its prohibition on receiving another person’s blood, while leaving decisions involving one’s own blood to individual discretion, particularly in life-saving situations.
The update was announced in a video published on the organisation’s official website on Friday.
Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch said the clarification was aimed at giving adherents the freedom to make personal decisions regarding the use of their own blood.
He explained that while the doctrine requires Christians to abstain from blood, the Bible does not explicitly address the use of a person’s own blood in medical care.
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” he said.
“Therefore, after much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care.
“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care.”
