Jehovah’s Witnesses Revise Blood Transfusion Policy

Jehovah’s Witnesses have made a significant revision to their longstanding blood transfusion policy, now permitting members to remove, store, and reinfuse their own blood during specific medical procedures, including planned surgeries. This update was announced by Gerrit L.

Sch, a member of the group's governing body. Despite this change, the organization continues to prohibit the acceptance of blood from donors, reaffirming that individual members must make personal decisions regarding blood use in medical and surgical care.

A spokesperson for the group emphasized that their fundamental religious doctrines remain unchanged, adhering to biblical teachings that instruct followers to abstain from blood. This policy revision has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from former members like Mitch Melon, who argue that it does not sufficiently address the freedom of conscience for members requiring donor blood during emergency treatments.

The update comes amid ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding medical care for minors, highlighted by a December 2025 ruling from the Edinburgh Sheriff Court that allowed doctors to administer blood transfusions to a 14-year-old Jehovah’s Witness girl despite her religious objections.