By Deborah Nnamdi
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have reviewed their longstanding rules on blood transfusions, granting members the choice of whether their own blood may be used during surgery or other medical procedures.
The organisation, however, maintained its ban on transfusions involving another person’s blood, while stating that individual members must make personal decisions in life-threatening situations involving the use of their own blood.
The change was announced in a video published on the group’s official website on Friday.
In the video, Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch said the clarification was intended to give Christians freedom to make personal decisions regarding the medical use of their own blood. He explained that while the doctrine requires Christians to abstain from blood, the Bible does not specifically address the handling of one’s own blood in medical contexts.
“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,” Lösch said.
He added that after prayerful consideration and review of the Scriptures, the Governing Body decided to clarify its position on the matter.
“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 about medical or surgical care,” he stated.
The revised guidance marks a notable clarification in the organisation’s medical policy, while upholding its doctrinal stance against receiving blood from others.
