Jehovah’s Witnesses have revised their longstanding position on blood transfusions, allowing members to personally decide whether to accept several blood components following a re-evaluation of a biblical passage.
The religious group’s governing body announced that members may now choose whether to accept donated red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The change follows a revised interpretation of Acts 15:20, a Bible verse that has historically been understood by Jehovah’s Witnesses as requiring believers to abstain from blood.
However, the updated guidance does not permit whole-blood transfusions, which remain prohibited under the group’s religious teachings.
The governing body said decisions regarding the acceptance of individual blood components from another person are now considered matters of personal conscience. Members may also decide whether to donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing components or fractions for another person.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have previously permitted members to have their own blood removed, stored and returned during certain medical procedures. The latest change represents a further shift by allowing blood components donated by another person to be considered for acceptance.
An international spokesperson for the group said blood continues to be regarded as sacred and emphasised that medical decisions involving blood components are left to individual members. Congregations, he said, would respect and support members’ personal decisions.
The change has drawn reactions from former members and advocacy groups. Former Jehovah’s Witness John Viney described the revised policy as a significant change that could affect future members requiring blood-component transfusions, while also raising concerns about people who may previously have refused transfusions under the former policy.
The updated position comes as medical professionals continue to consider the ethical and consent issues surrounding patients who decline blood transfusions for religious reasons. In the UK, adults generally have the right to refuse medical treatment, including blood transfusions, provided they have the capacity to make that decision.
References:
https://www.bmj.com/content/394/bmj-2026-100964
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/22/jehovahs-witnesses-ease-blood-transfusion-ban/
