Jehovah Witnesses allow their own blood use in medical care after 75 years

Jehovah Witnesses have revised their long-standing position on blood transfusions, introducing a notable adjustment to a doctrine that has remained largely unchanged for over 75 years.

Under the updated guidance, members are now permitted to use their own blood in certain medical situations.

This means individuals may have blood drawn, stored, and later reinfused during planned procedures such as surgeries.

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However, the religious group continues to prohibit the use of blood donated by others.

According to a report by the BBC, the change was announced by Gerrit Lösch, who emphasised that decisions regarding the use of personal blood in medical care should rest with individual believers.

"Each Christian must decide for himself how his blood will be used in medical and surgical care," he said.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, widely recognised for their door-to-door evangelism, maintain that their stance on blood is rooted in biblical teachings that instruct followers to abstain from blood.

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A spokesperson for the group clarified that the revision does not alter their core belief regarding the sanctity of blood.

The Jehovah's Witnesses report approximately 144,000 members in the United Kingdom and about nine million worldwide.

Despite the adjustment, some former members have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the policy change does not go far enough.

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They contend that restrictions on receiving donated blood continue to pose serious challenges, particularly in emergencies or for individuals battling critical illnesses such as cancer.

The issue has also been the subject of legal debate.

In one case in Edinburgh last year, a judge authorised doctors to administer a blood transfusion to a 14-year-old girl if her life was at risk following surgery, despite her refusal on religious grounds.

The updated policy is expected to influence how members approach planned medical treatments, although discussions surrounding its limitations are likely to persist.