Jehovah’s Witnesses Ease Blood Transfusion Rules

For decades, Jehovah’s Witnesses faced strict religious limits on blood transfusions. Now, members may personally decide whether to accept or donate the four main blood components. The Governing Body announced the change earlier this month, although the ban on whole-blood transfusions remains. Tonight, News Five’s Britney Gordon examines what prompted the shift and what it could mean for believers facing life-or-death medical decisions.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The question of faith and medical choice became a national talking point in 2016 following the death of Emily Guy. The longtime public officer and Jehovah’s Witness missionary reportedly declined a blood transfusion after an SUV struck her near the Novelo’s Bus Terminal in Belize City, severing her leg and leaving her critically injured. Doctors performed surgery, but Guy died less than twenty-four hours later.

 

ACP Chester Williams, Regional Commander, Eastern Division South (File: August 1^st, 2016)

“In that accident one female’s leg was amputated. She was taken to the hospital and yesterday she succumbed to her injuries. I am told that she is Jehovah Witness and she had refused a blood transfusion and that may have led to her death. But let me say this, there is a thing in law that says that you must take your victim as you find them. So the fact that even if she refused the blood transfusion, she could have lived. That does not negate responsibility from the driver of that motor vehicle.”

 

Guy chose to follow her religious beliefs. While she died from injuries sustained in a tragic accident, others have also refused blood while battling serious illnesses. Under new guidance, Jehovah’s Witnesses may now personally decide whether to donate or accept the four main blood components, although whole-blood transfusions remain prohibited.

 

Paul Gillies, International Spokesperson, Jehovah’s Witnesses

“We want to make it clear that this adjustment does not change our position on whole blood. Jehovah’s Witnesses hold firmly to their understanding of the Bible’s command found in Acts fifteen verse twenty to abstain from blood. In keeping with what is a deeply held conviction, we do not accept transfusions of whole blood, nor do we donate whole blood to be transfused to others.”

 

Gillies explained that Jehovah’s Witnesses now leave decisions about accepting or donating the four main blood components to individual conscience, noting that the adjustment reflects their view that the Bible does not specifically address those components and builds on earlier changes involving blood fractions and the use of a person’s own blood in medical procedures.

 

Paul Gillies

“Each witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.”

 

In emergencies, blood can be the thin line between survival and tragedy, a reality that has made the issue one of the most debated aspects of the Jehovah’s Witness faith.

 

Paul Gillies

“Medical advances offer effective alternatives to blood transfusion. Jehovah’s Witnesses are very grateful for the many skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects their personal wishes regarding blood.”

 

Church leaders say scripture, not medicine, drove the change. Because the Bible does not specifically address the four main blood components, members may now decide for themselves whether to accept or donate them. Emily Guy chose to follow her faith and refuse blood, but others in similar situations may now choose differently. Britney Gordon for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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