21.3.2026
The Jehovah’s Witnesses religious sect has given the green light to its members who wish to donate blood needed for surgery and blood bank storage to feel free to do so, relaxing a long-held dogma of not allow members to do blood transfusions.
However, according to the JW governing body member Gerrit Losch, members of the sect can still not receive blood transfusions.
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” he said.
“The Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care.
“Therefore, after much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care.
“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.”