The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced a change in its position on the four main components of blood, allowing members to decide whether to accept or donate them based on their individual conscience.
The organisation disclosed the development in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York, and published on its website on Friday.
According to the statement, Jehovah’s Witnesses may now personally decide whether to accept red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets from another person.
It also stated that members may decide whether to donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing its components or fractions for medical use by another person.
However, the organisation stressed that its longstanding position against whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged.
“The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to ‘abstain from blood’ (Acts 15:20), is unchanged,” the statement said.
Paul Gillies, an international spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at the organisation’s World Headquarters, said blood remains sacred to members, who continue to regard life and blood as gifts from God.
“We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah,” Gillies said.
The organisation explained that the latest adjustment follows previous updates concerning blood fractions and the use of an individual’s own blood during medical procedures.
It said the Bible does not specifically address decisions concerning the four major blood components, making such choices a matter of individual conscience.
The organisation also maintained that Jehovah’s Witnesses seek quality medical treatment and do not practise faith healing.
“Jehovah’s Witnesses love life and want the best available medical care. They do not practise faith healing, and they seek out doctors who can provide effective treatment in accord with their wishes, values and beliefs,” the statement said.
Gillies added that local congregations would not interfere with members’ personal decisions on blood-related medical treatment.
“Congregations do not involve themselves in personal decisions that rest with the individual conscience. We will continue to respect and support the personal decisions of our fellow believers,” he said.
The organisation also expressed appreciation to medical professionals who provide treatment while respecting the individual choices and religious convictions of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
