… Allows members decide on use of own blood.
By Mercy Adi
The Jehovah’s Witnesses have issued a fresh clarification on their long-standing doctrine on blood transfusion, stating that members are now free to decide whether their own blood can be used in the course of surgery or other medical procedures.
The clarification was delivered in a video message by Gerrit Lösch, who explained that the update allows individual Christians to make personal decisions regarding the handling of their own blood in medical settings.
He maintained that while abstaining from blood remains a core teaching of the religious body, the Bible does not directly address the use of one’s own blood for medical treatment.
“Regarding the use of one’s own blood… a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” Lösch said.
He noted that many adherents already accept certain medical procedures involving their own blood, including blood tests, use of heart-lung machines, cell salvage techniques and kidney dialysis.
According to him, the clarification now extends to whether members permit their blood to be removed, stored and later returned during treatment.
“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision,” he added.
The development follows renewed public attention after the death of Esther Mensah, a social media influencer popularly known as Aunty Esther, who declined a medically recommended blood transfusion while battling cancer due to her religious beliefs.
Her death in December 2025 triggered widespread debate over the balance between faith-based convictions and medical advice, particularly within the Jehovah’s Witness community.
The latest clarification signals what observers describe as an effort by the organisation to uphold its doctrinal position while allowing greater room for individual conscience in response to evolving medical practices.