On September 18, 2026, Jehovah’s Witnesses announced that each Witness patient personally decides whether to accept transfusions of allogeneic (donor) red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, or platelets. Their religious position against the transfusion of whole blood, based on the Biblical command to “abstain from blood,” remains unchanged.—Acts 15:20.

Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to regard life and blood as sacred gifts from God. Decisions involving primary blood components are matters of individual conscience for each Witness patient.

This adjustment extends the principle of personal decision-making, which has already been applied to plasma-derived therapies and autologous blood management, to the use of primary blood components. Clinicians should therefore consult each Witness patient directly and ensure that the patient’s individual decisions are clearly documented and respected.

Jehovah’s Witnesses deeply appreciate compassionate clinicians who provide high-quality care while respecting their patients’ values and treatment preferences. Upon request, Hospital Liaison Committees will continue to assist these patients and the clinicians who care for them.

Jehovah’s Witnesses number more than nine million worldwide and are active in over 200 lands.