Jehovah’s Witnesses have introduced a clarification to their long-standing doctrine on blood transfusion, allowing members to decide whether their own blood can be removed, stored, and later reinfused during medical procedures.
The update was communicated in a video statement released on Friday, featuring Gerrit Lösch, who explained that the adjustment recognises the role of personal decision-making in matters involving a patient’s own blood.
Despite the clarification, the religious group reiterated that its core position remains unchanged — members are still expected to abstain from transfusions involving donated blood, in line with its interpretation of biblical teachings.
According to the organisation, while scriptures guide its rejection of transfused blood, they do not specifically address the medical use of a person’s own blood. This gap, it said, has informed the revised stance, leaving such decisions to individual conscience.
“The decision is a personal one,” the group stated, noting that members may reach different conclusions based on their understanding of scripture and personal beliefs.
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasised that while the doctrine on abstaining from blood remains binding, choices regarding personal medical care — particularly involving one’s own blood — should be made after careful reflection and prayer.
The clarification comes amid advancements in medical technology, including procedures like cell salvage and the use of heart-lung machines, which involve circulating a patient’s own blood.
However, the organisation maintains its prohibition on transfusions involving another person’s blood, even as it allows members some discretion in navigating life-saving treatments.
The development follows past controversies around the doctrine, including reports of individuals declining transfusions due to religious beliefs.