JAHOVAH'S WITNESSES, EASE BLOOD TRANSFUSION RULE, ANNOUNCE NEW POLICY

Jehovah’s Witnesses have introduced a notable shift in their long-standing stance on bl+od transfusions, now allowing members to use their own stored bl+od during medical procedures.

Under the updated policy, members can have their bl+od removed, preserved, and later reinfused, particularly in planned s¥rgeries. However, the religious group maintains its strict prohibition against receiving bl+od from others. 

Gerrit Lösch, a member of the group’s leadership, said the decision reflects personal responsibility, noting that “each Christian must decide for himself how his bl+od will be used in medical and s¥rgical care.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses, known for their door-to-door evangelism, say their core belief remains unchanged, citing biblical teachings that instruct followers to “abstain from bl+od.”

The group has around 144,000 members in the UK and about nine million globally. Despite the adjustment, critics, especially former members, argue the change falls short.

Mitch Melon told the LA Times that the policy still limits life-saving options in emergencies, particularly in cases involving severe bl+od loss or conditions like cancer that may require multiple transfusions. The issue has also surfaced in legal battles.

In December, a court in Edinburgh ruled that doctors could administer a transfusion to a 14-year-old Jehovah’s Witness if her life depended on it, despite her refusal on religious grounds. Judge Lady Tait stated the decision was in the child’s best interest while still considering her beliefs.