Jehovah's Witnesses have changed their guidance on blood transfusions, telling members the decision is now a matter of personal conscience, according to reporting by Punch Newspapers and TheCable. The
The revised policy does not lift every restriction. According to AP News, the organization continues to prohibit whole-blood transfusions while permitting blood-derived products. Sahara Reporters also
The change has drawn criticism. Vanguard News reports that a humanist group described the new position as still confusing and potentially deadly, arguing the revised guidance leaves members uncertain
The Jehovah's Witnesses have historically been known for refusing blood transfusions on religious grounds, a stance that has shaped medical and legal debates in many countries, including Nigeria. The
It remains unclear how the change will be applied in practice or whether hospitals and members will interpret the guidance uniformly. Watch for further statements from the organization clarifying whic
The organization now leaves blood transfusion decisions to individual members, though it still bars whole-blood transfus