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Jehovah's Witnesses Allow Personal Blood Use, Face Criticism

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Jehovah's Witnesses updated their policy to let members store and use their own blood, while banning donations from others.
Gerrit Lösch, a Governing Body member, said each member must decide about their blood.
Critics, including former members, argue the change is insufficient for emergencies needing donated blood.
They also note many members lack access to blood storage facilities, while the organization keeps the sanctity of blood.

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Story summary

The Jehovah's Witnesses updated their policy to let members store and use their own blood, while banning donations from others.
Gerrit Lösch, a Governing Body member, said each member must decide about their blood.
Critics, including former members, argue the change is insufficient for emergencies needing donated blood.
They also note many members lack access to blood storage facilities, while the organization keeps the sanctity of blood.