Jehovah’s Witnesses Update Blood Transfusion Rules

0:00This is Cory with the story, keeping Canada and the NO, you're listening to Canada News today. To hope his witnesses' leaders have updated their longstanding rules on blood transfusions. Members can now choose whether to store their own blood ahead of time for use in surgeries that might involve heavy bleeding. The core ban on receiving blood from donors remains firmly in place. The governing body announced this change on Friday as a clarification after much prayer and thought. They stressed that each person must follow their own conscience on handling their blood in medical situations. This applies to procedures like pre-surgery donations that get stored and returned later. Former members have mixed feelings about the shift. Many see it as progress, but argue it falls short, especially in emergencies or for children needing donor blood to fight illnesses like cancer. Critics point out that defying the donor ban could still lead to shunning, and not every country has facilities restoring personal blood. The policy draws from Bible verses about abstaining from blood, which the group applies

1:00to transfusions. Past rulings allowed quick blood returns, like in dialysis, but not long-term storage. Officials note more medical options exist now, though the Bible stays silent on using one's own blood this way. Medical providers often honor these choices already, and the group insists their main beliefs on blood sanctity have not changed. This adjustment could save lives and plant procedures while keeping traditions intact for urgent cases.