September 2026 — Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a major update to their blood policy, making the acceptance or donation of the four main blood components—red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets—a matter of individual conscience.
According to the organization, members may now personally decide whether to accept these components from others or donate blood for the purpose of extracting them for medical use.
The policy also allows members to make personal decisions about storing and reusing their own blood during medical procedures, following an earlier update announced in March 2026.
However, Jehovah’s Witnesses say their prohibition on whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged, based on their interpretation of biblical teachings.
The organization also states that local congregational leaders will not interfere with or judge members over these personal medical decisions.
