The global leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced a significant shift in its stance on blood transfusions, allowing members to store and reuse their own blood for planned medical procedures.
This move marks a major change in the organization’s 75-year-old policy.
According to Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body, the decision was made after extensive prayer and consideration, emphasizing that the Bible doesn’t comment on the use of one’s own blood in medical care.
He noted that members can now opt for autologous blood donation, where their blood is drawn and stored before surgery, and returned if needed.
However, the organization maintains its ban on receiving donated blood from others, citing biblical teachings that instruct believers to abstain from blood.
The change is seen as a clarification rather than a reversal of core beliefs, with the organization emphasizing its commitment to respecting the sanctity of blood.
