The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced a change allowing members to personally decide whether to accept or donate the four major components of blood based on individual conscience.
Drivetvnews gathered that the organisation disclosed this in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York, and published on its official website.
Under the revised position, members can make personal decisions regarding the acceptance of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets from another person.
They may also decide whether to donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing blood components or fractions for another person’s medical treatment.
However, Jehovah’s Witnesses said their longstanding position against whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged, citing their religious interpretation of the biblical instruction to “abstain from blood.”
Paul Gillies, an international spokesman for the organisation, said members continue to regard blood and life as sacred while recognising that decisions involving individual blood components are matters of personal conscience.
The organisation explained that the latest adjustment follows earlier clarifications concerning blood fractions and the use of a person’s own blood during medical procedures.
It said the Bible does not specifically address such individual medical decisions, which is why members are expected to make them according to their personal conscience.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also stated that they seek effective medical treatment and do not practise faith healing. According to the organisation, members seek medical professionals who can provide appropriate care while respecting their religious beliefs and personal choices regarding blood.
Gillies added that local congregations would not interfere in decisions that are left to individual conscience, but would continue to respect and support members.
The organisation said Jehovah’s Witnesses have more than nine million members worldwide across more than 200 countries and territories.
The latest announcement follows a clarification earlier in the year allowing members to personally decide whether their own blood could be removed, stored and returned during medical procedures, while the organisation maintained its position against receiving blood from another person.
