Jehovah’s Witnesses rescinds doctrine on non-receipt of blood transfusion by members

The Jehovah’s Witnesses have rescinded its policy which does not permit members in admitting blood transfusion giving members the right to choose whether their own blood can be used during surgery or other procedures

Penpushing reports that Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch in a statement released on their website on Friday explained that the move maintains the ban on transfusions of another person’s blood but allows individual discretion in life-saving treatments,

The Governing Body member added that the clarification aims to give Christians the freedom to make personal decisions regarding the use of their own blood during surgeries or other medical treatments.

Penpushing further reports that 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,” he said.

Penpushing also reports that the statement cited biblical instructions from Noah and the Mosaic Law, pointing out that Christians today are not bound by the command to pour out blood and cover it with dust:

The Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch emphasized that Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care, stating that many members already accept procedures involving their own blood, including blood tests, heart-lung machines, cell salvage devices, and kidney dialysis.

Penpushing reports that Lösch equally explained that Christians may now choose whether their blood is removed, stored, and returned during surgery, stressing that governing body has decided to clarify its position on the issue

“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’, he stated.

“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.

Penpushing further reports that the debate has taken on renewed attention in Nigeria following the death of cancer patient and social media personality, Mensah Omolola, also known as AuntieEsther, who died in December 2025.

The deceased it would be recalled publicly rejected a blood transfusion recommended by doctors, citing her faith, and instead chose alternative treatments supported by Nigerians who donated over ₦30 million.

Penpushing also reports that despite warnings from her church about possible disciplinary action, including disfellowship, she followed her beliefs, while her passing has sparked national debate on the tension between faith and medical guidance.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ clarification now allows members to exercise personal choice regarding their own blood, reflecting both their religious principles and modern medical possibilities.

Penpushing reports that 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 2019 statement it would be recalled clarified common misconceptions, emphasising that Witnesses do not reject medical care, arguing that God views blood as representing life, stressing that avoiding taking blood was in obedience to God

“God views blood as representing life. So, we avoid taking blood not only in obedience to God but also out of respect for him as the Giver of life,” the statement said.

Penpushing further reports that 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.

The record, however, has it that over the years, Jehovah Witnesses have consistently sought the best available medical care, adapting modern procedures to align with their faith, while the statement also debunked myths.

Penpushing also reports that the statement pointed out that Jehovah Witnesses do not rely on faith healing and that avoiding blood transfusions does not automatically result in worse outcomes.

Meanwhile, bloodless techniques, including cell salvage, heart-lung machines, and dialysis, allow patients to receive high-quality care while adhering to religious principles.

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