#blood-transfusion

Jehovah's Witnesses Move to Allow Some Transfusions of 'Others' Blood'

Jehovah's Witnesses' Governing Body told members that whether to accept four main blood components from others — red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets — is now up to each member's conscience, while the refusal of whole-blood transfusion stays in place. Because the group has long refused transfusions, and children have died over it, the reversal drew a wave of sympathy and anger for past victims. Many also suspected the change was made for a leader's convenience and mocked a faith that 'suddenly changes its teachings,' while a small minority defended individual freedom of belief.