Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide will be able to donate and receive transfusions of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. This is according to a provision titled "2026 Governing Body Update #6," the sixth update of the year from the Governing Body.

Thus falls one of the most controversial elements of the religion founded in 1870 in Pennsylvania, which today has over nine million followers, gathered in congregations present in more than 200 countries and territories. A video in several languages reiterates that "life and blood are sacred," but "progress in this field has raised many questions," the online document continues. Therefore, "each Christian must make their own decision regarding the use of their own blood in surgery and in relation to medical care." This shift is given a biblical rationale, quoting St. Paul's letter to the Galatians in the New Testament: "Each will bear his own burden."

The governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses announced that the decision to "accept red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, or platelets derived from another person's blood is a matter of individual conscience. Similarly, each Witness must decide whether or not to donate their own blood, provided it is used only to provide components or fractions to others. The long-standing religious refusal of whole blood transfusions," they stated in a statement, citing a Bible verse from the Acts of the Apostles, "remains unchanged." "Blood remains sacred to Jehovah's Witnesses, who continue to view life and blood as precious gifts from God," stated Paul Gillies, international spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses. "We recognize that medical decisions regarding blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah."

"Jehovah's Witnesses love life and desire the best medical care available. They do not practice or resort to miraculous healing, and they seek doctors who can provide effective treatment while also respecting their wishes, values, and beliefs," the statement concludes, leaving the final decision up to individuals. " Congregations do not intervene in personal decisions, which are the responsibility of the individual's conscience. We will continue to respect and support the decisions of our fellow believers," Gillies added. "We are also grateful to the many competent and caring doctors who provide quality medical care while respecting our wishes regarding blood."

(Unioneonline)

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