Jehovah’s Witnesses Review Blood Transfusion Doctrine

Jehovah’s Witnesses Review Blood Transfusion Doctrine

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced a clarification to its long-standing teaching on blood use in medical care, giving members more room to make personal decisions in certain situations.

In a video released on its official platform on Friday, the group explained that its core belief against receiving another person’s blood remains unchanged. However, members can now decide for themselves on procedures involving their own blood.

A member of the Governing Body, Gerrit Lösch, said the update is meant to guide followers through complex medical issues without going against their faith.

He noted that while the Bible instructs Christians to abstain from blood, it does not clearly address modern medical practices that involve a patient’s own blood.

Because of this, members are now free to decide on procedures where their blood may be removed, treated, stored, and later returned to the body. These may include certain surgeries, tests, and newer medical treatments.

“A Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled,” Lösch said, adding that individuals may choose differently based on their beliefs and conscience.

The group also pointed out that some medical procedures involving a person’s own blood are already accepted among members. These include blood tests, dialysis, and the use of heart-lung machines.

For many years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been known for rejecting blood transfusions based on their interpretation of Bible teachings. This position has often drawn attention, especially in emergency medical cases.

Despite this stance, the organisation says it supports modern medicine. Many of its members choose “bloodless” treatments and surgeries that align with their beliefs while still receiving proper care.

Observers say the latest update shows a shift toward allowing individuals to take more responsibility for their medical choices, while the main teaching on blood transfusion remains in place.