Jehovah's Witnesses make blood component decisions a matter of personal conscience

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses has announced a change in its guidance on blood, allowing individual members to decide according to personal conscience whether to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person.

In a statement issued by the organisation's World Headquarters in Warwick, New York, on Friday, September 18, 2026, Jehovah's Witnesses said members would also have to make their own decisions about donating blood when the stated purpose is to provide blood components or fractions for another person's medical treatment.

The organisation stressed, however, that its longstanding position against the transfusion of whole blood remains unchanged. It said the teaching is based on the biblical command to "abstain from blood" in Acts 15:20.

"Blood remains sacred to Jehovah's Witnesses, who continue to regard life and blood as precious gifts from God," said Mr Paul Gillies, international spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses at their World Headquarters. "We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah."

According to the organisation, the latest adjustment builds on previous changes concerning blood fractions and the use of an individual's own blood during medical procedures.

It said the Bible does not specifically address decisions involving the four primary components of blood, namely red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets. Consequently, the organisation said, decisions concerning their acceptance are left to individual conscience.

Jehovah's Witnesses also said they value life and seek access to quality medical treatment. The organisation said its members do not practise faith healing but instead seek medical professionals capable of providing effective treatment consistent with their religious beliefs and personal choices.

"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 9 million members worldwide, with congregations across more than 200 territories.