Jehovah’s Witnesses ease blood rules, widening treatment choices

Jehovah’s Witnesses have widened the medical choices available to members, making acceptance of donated blood’s four main components a matter of personal conscience. Whole-blood transfusions remain prohibited under the religious organisation’s rules.

The change covers red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets. These components have distinct medical uses: red cells can treat anaemia, white cells certain infections, and platelets are used in some cancer treatments. Plasma, the liquid part of blood, is used to treat people with trauma injuries or certain diseases.

Members may also choose to donate blood specifically to supply components for other people’s treatment. Donating for whole-blood transfusions remains prohibited.

The organisation says congregations will not intervene in members’ personal decisions about blood components. It continues to regard blood as sacred, and its international spokesperson, Paul Gillies, said members should carefully consider their religious beliefs before deciding.

The revision follows a March policy change allowing members to have their own blood stored for later medical use. Together, the changes broaden the treatment options permitted by a religious organisation that reports 9.2 million members across more than 200 countries and territories.