Organisation Maintains Ban on Whole-Blood Transfusions
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced that members can now decide, according to personal conscience, whether to accept or donate the four main components of blood.
The organisation made this known in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York, and published on its website on Friday.
According to the statement, accepting red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets from another person is now considered a matter of individual conscience.
Members may also decide whether to donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing components or fractions for another person’s medical treatment.
However, the organisation said its longstanding position against whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged, citing the biblical command to “abstain from blood” in Acts 15:20.
Paul Gillies, an international spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said members continue to regard blood and life as sacred but should make decisions concerning blood components based on their personal conscience.
The organisation said the clarification follows previous updates concerning blood fractions and the use of a person’s own blood during medical procedures.
It added that members could individually decide whether their own blood may be removed, stored and returned during medical treatment.
Jehovah’s Witnesses said they seek medical treatment and do not practise faith healing, adding that doctors are expected to provide effective care in line with patients’ wishes, values and beliefs.
Gillies said local congregations would not interfere in decisions that are considered matters of personal conscience, but would continue to respect and support members.
The organisation said Jehovah’s Witnesses number more than nine million worldwide, with congregations in more than 200 countries and territories.