Jehovah’s Witnesses Make Fresh Move on Blood Transfusions

Jehovah’s Witnesses have revised their position on blood, allowing members to decide according to their personal conscience whether to accept or donate four major blood components.

The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses announced the change in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York, and published on the organisation’s website on Friday.

Under the revised policy, individual members can personally decide whether to accept red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets from another person’s blood.

Members can also decide whether to donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing components or fractions for another person’s medical treatment.

However, the organisation clarified that its longstanding position against transfusions of whole blood remains unchanged.

It cited the biblical instruction to “abstain from blood” in Acts 15:20 as the basis for its position.

International spokesman Paul Gillies said the organisation continues to regard blood as sacred and life as a precious gift from God.

He explained that decisions concerning the acceptance of the four main blood components are now regarded as matters of personal conscience between individual Witnesses and Jehovah.

The organisation said the latest adjustment follows earlier changes concerning blood fractions and the use of a person’s own blood during medical procedures.

According to the statement, because the Bible does not specifically address certain medical decisions involving blood components, members are allowed to make their own choices based on conscience.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also reiterated that they seek quality medical treatment and do not practise faith healing. They said members are free to choose doctors who can provide effective medical care while respecting their religious beliefs and personal wishes.

ALSO READ:Nigerian Lawyer Makes Global List After Defending Religious Freedom