Jehovah’s Witnesses oppose blood transfusions because they believe that receiving blood violates scriptural admonitions against the consumption of blood, such as Leviticus 3:17 and Acts 15:20. Their official doctrine has shifted over time, including allowing autologous transfusion (blood obtained from the patient). In 2026 the movement’s leadership declared that, although Witnesses continue to oppose whole-blood transfusion, individuals may decide according to their own consciences whether to receive or donate parts of blood, including red cells, white cells, plasma, or platelets.
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