Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a change that gives members greater personal choice over whether they accept or donate the four major components of blood.
The decision was announced by the organisation’s World Headquarters in Warwick, New York.
Under the revised position, members are free to decide whether to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person.
They may also decide whether to donate blood for the specific purpose of supplying components or fractions to another person.
Religious Teaching on Whole Blood Remains
Despite the adjustment, Jehovah’s Witnesses said their longstanding position against whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged.
The organisation continues to base that position on its interpretation of the biblical instruction to “abstain from blood.”
Paul Gillies, an international spokesman for the organisation, said members continue to regard blood and life as sacred gifts from God.
He explained that decisions involving blood components are now regarded as matters of personal conscience.
What the New Position Means
The organisation said its latest decision follows previous updates involving blood fractions and medical procedures using a person’s own blood.
It said the Bible does not specifically address whether an individual should accept or donate the four main components.
The organisation therefore considers such decisions matters for each member to determine according to personal conscience.
Local congregations will not make those decisions for individual members.
Gillies said congregations would respect and support members regardless of their personal choices.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Medical Treatment
The organisation also clarified that Jehovah’s Witnesses seek conventional medical care and do not practise faith healing.
It said members want access to effective medical treatment while having their religious beliefs and personal wishes respected.
Gillies expressed appreciation for doctors and other healthcare professionals who provide treatment that accommodates patients’ decisions concerning blood.
The new announcement therefore changes how Jehovah’s Witnesses approach several blood components while leaving their established position on whole-blood transfusions intact.
