Jehovah’s Witnesses Ease Blood-Component Rules, Retain Whole-Blood Ban

Jehovah’s Witnesses have revised their blood policy, allowing members to decide according to personal conscience whether to receive or donate red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The organization said its longstanding ban on whole-blood transfusions and donations intended for whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged, based on its interpretation of the biblical command to abstain from blood. The change follows an earlier 2026 revision allowing members to store their own blood for possible future medical treatment. The organization said the Bible does not specifically address the four major blood components and that members should make related medical decisions between themselves and God while seeking professional care. Critics, including former members, have argued that the broader prohibition has prevented access to potentially lifesaving treatment.