Jehovah’s Witnesses have updated their stance on blood transfusions, now permitting members to have their own blood removed, stored, and “returned” during medical procedures, while maintaining a ban on receiving blood from others.
The move, announced in a video statement by Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch, is designed to give members freedom to make personal decisions about the use of their blood in medical care.
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…each Christian must decide for himself how his blood will be used in medical and surgical care,” Lösch said.
While the update allows procedures such as autologous transfusions, where a patient’s own blood is removed and then returned, members remain prohibited from receiving blood from donors.
Lösch noted that many members already undergo medical procedures involving their own blood, including blood tests, kidney dialysis, cell salvage devices, and the use of heart-lung machines.
The clarification, he said, simply formalises these practices and recognises personal choice.