The Jehovah’s Witnesses religious organisation has announced a significant clarification to its long-standing doctrine on blood transfusions, granting members the personal choice to decide whether their own blood may be used during medical procedures.
The development was disclosed in a video published on the organisation’s official website on Friday.
According to the group, while the prohibition on transfusions involving another person’s blood remains firmly in place, individual members are now permitted to make personal decisions regarding the use of their own blood in surgeries, medical tests, or therapies—particularly in life-saving situations.
Speaking in the video, Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch explained that the adjustment aims to give adherents greater freedom of conscience.
He emphasized that although abstaining from blood remains a key doctrinal principle, the Bible does not specifically address the medical use of one’s own blood.
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood, a Christian must decide for himself how his blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” Lösch stated.
He added that the Governing Body reached the decision after “much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures,” noting that individual choices may differ.
“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,” he said.
The organisation reiterated that its core teaching against receiving another person’s blood remains unchanged.
