The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced a change to its policy on the acceptance of blood components, making the decision a matter of personal conscience for individual members.
Under the new policy, Witnesses are to decide for themselves whether to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person’s blood.
The decision also applies to blood donation, with each Witness expected to determine whether they will donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.
However, the religious group’s long-standing position against the transfusion of whole blood remains unchanged.
The position is based on the biblical instruction to “abstain from blood” as contained in Acts 15:20.
“Blood remains sacred to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who continue to regard life and blood as precious gifts from God,” Paul Gillies, international spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at the group’s World Headquarters, said.
“We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah.”
The adjustment follows earlier policy changes concerning blood fractions and the use of an individual’s own blood during medical procedures.
According to the group, because the Bible does not specifically address decisions concerning the four main components of blood, the matter is left to individual conscience.
Jehovah’s Witnesses said they value life and seek the best available medical care, stressing that they do not practise faith healing.
The group said its members seek medical professionals who can provide effective treatment while respecting their wishes, values and religious beliefs.
“Congregations do not involve themselves in personal decisions that rest with the individual conscience. We will continue to respect and support the personal decisions of our fellow believers,” Mr Gillies said.
“We are grateful, too, for the many skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects our personal wishes regarding blood.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses have more than nine million members worldwide, with congregations spread across more than 200 countries and territories.