Jehovah’s Witnesses have updated their guidance to allow members to decide for themselves how their own blood is used in medical and surgical procedures. The announcement was made Friday by Governing Body member Gerrit Lösch in a video statement.
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…each Christian must decide for himself how his blood will be used in medical and surgical care,” Lösch said.
While members are still prohibited from receiving blood from donors, the new guidance permits procedures such as autologous transfusions, where a patient’s blood is removed and later returned. The clarification formalises practices many members already undergo, including blood tests, dialysis, cell salvage, and the use of heart-lung machines.
“Our core belief regarding the sanctity of blood remains unchanged,” a spokesperson added, citing biblical instructions from Noah and Mosaic Law. “The Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care.”
Lösch emphasised that the update recognises personal choice. “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,” he said.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses movement, known for its door-to-door evangelism, has about nine million members worldwide, including 144,000 in the UK. The update comes amid high-profile cases involving members and medical treatment, including a December 2025 Edinburgh court case where doctors were allowed to transfuse blood to a 14-year-old member to save her life.
