Jehovah’s Witnesses allow blood-derived products but keep ban on
whole-blood transfusions
[September 19, 2026]
By PETER SMITH
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have partly eased their longstanding prohibition
on the medical use of donated blood, allowing members to receive
products derived from blood but maintaining a ban on transfusions of
whole blood.
The policy, announced Friday, is the second revision this year in what
has long been one of the most controversial and distinctive teachings of
the religious organization.
The new policy says that individuals can receive products derived from
blood donated by other people. It says they can receive medical
treatments that involve the use of the four main components of whole
blood: plasma, platelets and red and white blood cells.
“Each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of
these four primary components in all medical and surgical care,” said
Geoffrey W. Jackson, a member of the Governing Body of the organization,
based in New York State.
The new announcement also allows members to decide as a matter of
individual conscience whether to donate blood to be used for blood
products for the medical treatment of others.
But the organization continues to oppose members receiving transfusions
of whole blood or donating blood for that purpose.
In March, the Governing Body also announced a revised policy,
authorizing members to have their blood stored for their own future
medical treatment, but not for others’.
Critics have faulted the organization for prohibiting the use of a
proven treatment that can be lifesaving in replenishing blood lost in
surgeries, accidents or violence. Critics, including former church
members, say that the teaching has led to deaths that could have been
prevented.
The Jehovah's Witnesses' longtime opposition to blood transfusions
derives from their interpretation of Bible passages requiring believers
to “abstain” from blood. While Jewish and other Christian religious
traditions have interpreted this as a dietary law, Jehovah's Witnesses
have extended that prohibition to transfusions.
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A woman shares Jehovah's Witnesses' literature with a passerby in
downtown Pittsburgh on Nov. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter Smith, File)
 Blood components are often used for
specific treatments.
Plasma, the liquid component of blood, is often used for those
suffering from trauma or certain diseases, according to the American
Red Cross. Red cells can be used to treat conditions such as anemia
and white cells to treat certain infections. Platelets are used in
some cancer and other treatments.
Members shouldn’t make the decision on using blood products lightly,
Paul Gillies, international spokesperson for the Jehovah’s
Witnesses, said in an interview.
“What we’re saying is you have to pray about it, you have to study
it, you have to see what the Bible has to say about it, because
blood in the Bible represents life,” Gillies said. Members need to
consider all these factors before reaching “a decision that you feel
happy about with your God.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses, who emerged in 19th century America, share many
Christian beliefs with other churches but diverge on key theological
issues, such as the nature of Jesus and biblical prophecy. They are
almost alone in their beliefs about blood transfusions. Jehovah’s
Witnesses reported a U.S. membership of 1.3 million in 2025, with a
worldwide membership of 9.2 million in more than 200 countries and
territories.
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