The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has changed its position on the acceptance of four major blood components, making the decision a matter of personal conscience for individual members
Under the new policy announced on September 18, each Witness can personally decide whether to accept red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets from another person.
Members will also individually decide whether to donate blood specifically for the purpose of providing components or fractions for another person.
However, the organisation said its longstanding refusal of whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged.
The change extends the organisation’s previous position on blood fractions and the use of an individual’s own blood during medical procedures.
Jehovah’s Witnesses said the Bible does not specifically address decisions concerning the four main components, making them matters of individual conscience.
Paul Gillies, an international spokesman for the organisation, said medical decisions involving blood components were now a matter between each Witness and their God.
The organisation said congregations would not become involved in individual decisions covered by personal conscience.Jehovah’s Witnesses have more than nine million members worldwide, according to the organisation.
