Jehovah’s Witnesses introduce changes to blood transfusion rules

Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced an adjustment to their blood transfusion policy, allowing members to decide individually whether to accept or donate the four main components of blood.

According to PUNCH, the religious organisation said decisions involving red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets are now matters of personal conscience.

However, its longstanding opposition to whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged, based on its interpretation of the biblical command to “abstain from blood.”

International spokesman Paul Gillies said congregations would not interfere with members’ personal medical decisions and would respect their choices.

The organisation said the adjustment follows earlier changes concerning blood fractions and procedures involving a patient’s own blood, while reaffirming its commitment to obtaining effective medical care worldwide.