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Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions?

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Three Jehovah's Witnesses stand beside literature carts, holding religious magazines, at the Star Ferry Pier under a blue sign for City Hall and MTR Station in Hong Kong. — Jehovah’s Witness Adherents of the Jehovah's Witness movement distributing literature about their faith in Hong Kong, China.

Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse blood transfusions because they believe the practice violates scriptural commands. Their position is based on a literal interpretation of biblical admonitions against the consumption of blood, such as those found in Leviticus 3:17.1

While this stance is contrary to standard medical practice, it is a central tenet of their faith. However, the religion does not forbid all medical intervention; Witnesses generally permit surgical procedures that avoid the use of donor blood. They may accept alternative treatments, such as blood-conservation techniques or autologous transfusion, where blood is obtained from the patient themselves.1