Jehovah’s Witnesses have updated their stance on blood transfusions, allowing members to decide whether their own blood can be used during medical procedures.
This means they can now opt for autologous transfusions, where their own blood is collected, stored, and reinfused during surgery.
However, receiving blood from another person is still strictly prohibited.
The decision comes after much consideration and prayer, with the Governing Body emphasizing individual responsibility in medical decision-making.
In a video statement published on their official website on Friday, Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch explained that the update is intended to allow Christians make personal decisions concerning the handling of their own blood during medical care.
“Each Christian must decide for himself how his blood will be used in medical and surgical care”, Gerrit Losch said.
He stressed that although abstaining from blood remains a core doctrinal belief, the Bible does not specifically address the medical use of an individual’s own blood.
According to him, members now have the option to decide whether their blood can be withdrawn, stored, and later returned during surgery.
“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 with regard to medical or surgical care,” Lösch added.
This shift marks a significant change in the organization’s 75-year-old policy, offering more flexibility for members facing planned medical procedures.
While some former members criticized the update as insufficient, others see it as a step forward.
