Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a significant clarification on blood transfusions, giving members the right to decide whether their own blood can be used during surgery or other medical procedures, while maintaining the ban on transfusions of another person’s blood.
In a video statement released on Friday, March 20, 2026, Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch said the clarification is intended to “give Christians the freedom to make personal decisions regarding the use of their own blood during surgeries or other medical treatments.”
He emphasised that while Christians must abstain from blood as a doctrinal principle, “the Bible does not comment on using one’s own blood in medical care.”
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” Lösch said.
Citing biblical instructions from Noah and the Mosaic Law, he explained that Christians today are not bound by the command to pour out blood and cover it with dust: “The Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care.”
According to Lösch, many members already accept procedures involving their own blood, including blood tests, heart-lung machines, cell salvage devices, and kidney dialysis. Christians may now choose whether their blood is removed, stored, and returned during surgery.
“Therefore, after much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care.
“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care,” Lösch added.
The prohibition on receiving blood transfusions has long been a defining principle for Jehovah’s Witnesses, rooted in biblical teachings rather than medical concerns.
The guidance stems from multiple passages in both the Old and New Testaments, including Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 17:10, Deuteronomy 12:23, and Acts 15:28–29, which instruct abstaining from blood. Tribune