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Part of the series on Jehovah's Witnesses
About Jehovah's Witnesses
History
Organizational Structure
Governing Body Faithful and Discreet Slave Legal Instruments
Government Interactions
Beliefs
Doctrines · Practices
Jesus · Eschatology Blood · Disfellowshipping
Opposition · Persecution
Controversy
Related People
Presidents & Members
List of Jehovah's Witnesses C.T. Russell · M.G. Henschel J.F. Rutherford · F.W. Franz D.A. Adams · N.H. Knorr
Ex-Members & Critics
R. Franz · E.C. Gruss R. Countess · O.R. Moyle

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible prohibits the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood, including in cases of emergency. This view was introduced in 1945, though restrictions on the use of certain blood products and medical procedures have been relaxed over time. Their stance on blood has been a common source of controversy, as members have died from loss of blood. Image File history File links Please see the file description page for further information. ... Image File history File links WT_Logo. ... // 1870-1916 Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny. ... Jehovahs Witnesses are organized into a hierarchy. ... The Governing Body supervises all the activities of the Jehovahs Witnesses, sometimes referred to as the Watch Tower Society, throughout the earth. ... Faithful and Discreet Slave (also known as the remnant, the anointed, Gods prophet, and Gods channel) is a name Jehovahs Witnesses use to refer to the remaining (living) portion of a group of 144,000 people. ... A number of corporations are in use by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Jehovahs Witnesses face legal or governmental opposition in many countries. ... The beliefs and doctrines of Jehovahs Witnesses are based on the Biblical studies and interpretations conducted by the founders and leaders of the movement. ... Practices of Jehovahs Witnesses include activities common to many churches, such as evangelism, gathering for group worship and study, and donating money to support their religious activities. ... Bible verses quoted from the New World Translation except where noted Beliefs of Jehovahs Witnesses and Jesus role in their doctrine are based on the beliefs Jehovah is almighty God, the theme of the Bible is Gods kingdom, and Adam was a literal person who caused all humankind... The eschatology of Jehovahs Witnesses is central to their religious beliefs. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Throughout their history, the beliefs, doctrines and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses have met controversy and opposition among societies and other religions, including orthodox Christian groups. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Following is a list of Jehovahs Witnesses who are in some way prominent Joshua Elliot Rodrigues - English Student, name comes from the Book of Joshua Maher Shalal Hash Baz - Japanese musician, name comes from the Book of Isaiah Tom Edur - Former NHL ice hockey player. ... Charles Russell in 1911 Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), known as Pastor Russell, was an American evangelist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who founded what is known as the Bible Student movement. ... Milton George Henschel (August 9, 1920 - March 22, 2003) was the person who succeded Frederick W. Franz as the president of Watchtower Society. ... Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869—8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Frederick William Franz - (12 September 1893–22 December 1992) served as the President of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, the Legal organization used to direct the work of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Don A. Adams is the current president of the Watch Tower Society. ... Nathan Homer Knorr Nathan Homer Knorr (April 23, 1905 - June 8, 1977) was the third president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society doing so on January 13, 1942, replacing Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who had served in the position since 1916. ... Raymond Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses for nine years (1971–1980), and at the World headquarters for fifteen years (1965–1980). ... Edmund Charles Gruss is Professor Emeritus at The Masters College in Santa Clarita, California and an author. ... Rev. ... Categories: | | | | ... The Bible (Hebrew: תנ״ך tanakh, Greek: η Βίβλος hē biblos) (sometimes The Holy Bible, The Book, Word of God, The Word Scripture, Scripture), from Greek (τα) βίβλια, (ta) biblia, (the) books, is the name used by Jews and Christians for their (differing but overlapping) canons of sacred texts. ... Human blood smear: a - erythrocytes; b - neutrophil; c - eosinophil; d - lymphocyte. ... 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ...

Stance on blood

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible supports that:

• blood is sacred to God
• blood means life in God's eyes;
• blood must not be eaten;
• blood leaving the body of a human or animal must be disposed of;
• Christians must "abstain" from blood in the sense used at Acts 15:29 (NWT);
• blood is reserved for one special use, the atonement for sins;
• even in the case of an emergency, it is not permissible to sustain a life with blood; and
• that violation of the doctrine on blood is a serious offense in which a member may be no longer be considered a Witness.

These beliefs about blood affect their acceptance of products containing blood or its components and medical procedures involving the use, re-use and storage of blood. While this stance has largely remained unchanged since its introduction in 1945, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses has occasionally changed its views on which products and procedures may be considered acceptable to the conscience of each individual Jehovah's Witness. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a modern-language translation of the Bible published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. ... 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ... The Governing Body supervises all the activities of the Jehovahs Witnesses, sometimes referred to as the Watch Tower Society, throughout the earth. ...

Development of the organizational view on blood

Jehovah's Witnesses originally followed the Christian orthodox doctrine on blood, allowing it to be eaten. Charles Taze Russell, the founder of Jehovah's Witnesses, wrote that the Jewish dietary law forbidding the eating of blood was not binding for Christians,^[1] and that the statement at Acts 15:29 (NWT) to "abstain" from blood applied only to first century congregations that had a mix of Jews and Gentiles.^[2] Charles Russell in 1911 Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), known as Pastor Russell, was an American evangelist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who founded what is known as the Bible Student movement. ... The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a modern-language translation of the Bible published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. ... A Gentile refers to a non-Israelite; the word is derived from the Latin term gens (meaning clan or a group of families) and is often employed in the plural. ...

This view continued to be held after the discovery of blood types and the liberal use, into wounded soldiers, of blood transfusions during World War I. However, after Russell's death in 1916, under his successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, things began to change with the doctrine on blood. In 1927, The Watchtower introduced a new doctrine on blood, prohibiting members from eating blood.^[3] At that time, blood transfusions were not specifically prohibited, and Jehovah's Witnesses publications even commended those who donated blood to save the lives of others.^[4][5] As early as 1944 while discussing the sacredness of blood, transfusions were mentioned. ^[6] A blood type is a description an individuals characteristics of red blood cells due to substances (carbohydrates and proteins) on the cell membrane. ... Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. ... Combatants Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, Romania, Belgium, British Empire, United States, Italy, and others Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Casualties Military dead:5 million Civilian dead:3 million Total dead:8 million Military dead:4 million Civilian dead:3 million Total dead:7 million The First World... 1916 (MCMXVI) is a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar) // Events January-February January 1 - The Royal Army Medical Corps first successful blood transfusion using blood that had been stored and cooled. ... Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869—8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... 1927 (MCMXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

However, in 1945, the application of the doctrine on blood was revised to prohibit blood transfusions of whole blood whether homologous or autologous . ^[7] While the prohibition didn't specify any punitive measures for accepting a transfusion, by 1961 they were warned that doing so could prevent them from living eternally in God's new world, the hope held by members: 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ...

"It may result in the immediate and very temporary prolongation of life, but that at the cost of eternal life for a dedicated Christian." ^[8]

The magazine The Golden Age, now published as Awake!, began to publish negative results from blood transfusions. Awake! is a general-interest magazine published by Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

"And let the transfusion enthusiasts with a savior-complex ponder the fact that on many occasions transfusions do harm, spread disease, and frequently cause deaths, which, of course, are not publicized." ^[9]

Publications by Jehovah's Witnesses sometimes printed news events and doctor’s opinions about the negative effects of blood transfusions. In the news article, Watching the World reference is made to a man, Robert Khoury, who after receiving a blood transfusion said, “When I recovered I found I had a terrible desire to steal.”^[10]

In a 1961 Watchtower it quoted, Dr. Américo Valério, A Brazilian doctor and surgeon for over forty years, when he said, "Moral insanity, sexual perversions, repression, inferiority complexes, petty crimes—these often follow in the wake of blood transfusion." In addition reference is made to the book, Who Is Your Doctor and Why? where Doctor Alonzo Jay Shadman says: “The blood in any person is in reality the person himself. It contains all the peculiarities of the individual from whence it comes. This includes hereditary taints, disease susceptibilities, poisons due to personal living, eating and drinking habits. . . . The poisons that produce the impulse to commit suicide, murder, or steal are in the blood.” ^[11]

"The heart is a marvelously designed muscular pump, but, more significantly, our emotional and motivating capacities are built within it. Love, hate, desire (good and bad), preference for one thing over another, ambition, fear--in effect, all that serves to motivate us in relationship to our affections and desires springs from the heart.... It is significant that heart-transplant patients, where the nerves connecting the heart and brain are severed, have serious emotional problems after the operation." ^[12] In support of such statements, references are made to the Medical World News ^[13], and to Dr. D. E. Schneider, a neurologist and psychiatrist of New York.

In 1958 (around the time when blood began to be broken down into components ^[14]) gamma globulin, a blood fraction, was considered a “gray area” in which each Witness would decide whether to accept it or not.^[15] This view was stated again in 1974 and also in 1978.^{[16] [17]} 1958 (MCMLVIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (the link is to a full 1974 calendar). ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1978 calendar). ...

In 1961, Jehovah's Witnesses began to be punished with excommunication for acceptance of a blood transfusion of whole blood, or its components.^[18] In 1964, Jehovah's Witnesses were prohibited from obtaining transfusions for pets, from using fertilizer containing blood, and were even encouraged to write to dog food manufacturers to verify their products were blood-free, if "troubled" over the package label.^[19] Later that year, Jehovah's Witnesses doctors and nurses were instructed to withhold blood transfusions from fellow Jehovah's Witnesses. As to administering transfusions to non-members The Watchtower stated, that such a decision is "left to the Christian doctor’s own conscience."^[20] 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1961 calendar). ... For the Nintendo 64 emulator, see 1964 (Emulator). ...

Since the 1980s restrictions on medical use of blood have been loosened, with certain blood products and medical procedures no longer prohibited. A June 1982 issue of Awake! confirmed that whole blood and its four components were not permitted for transfusion, but that this did not rule out fractions which some Witnesses would accept. ^[21] That same month a Watchtower article declared that it would be wrong for a Witness to allow a leech to eat upon his/her blood as part of a medical procedure, due to the sacredness of blood.^[22] The 1980s decade refers to the years from 1980 to 1989, inclusive. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Awake! is a general-interest magazine published by Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

In 1989 The Watchtower stated, "Each individual must decide" whether to accept hemodilution and autologous blood salvage (cell saver) procedures.^[23] In 1990, a brochure entitled How Can Blood Save Your Life? was released, outlining Jehovah's Witnesses' general doctrine on blood. 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ...

In 2000, Jehovah's Witnesses stand on blood fractions was clearly stated.^[24] Members were instructed to personally decide if accepting a fraction would violate the doctrine on blood. In a later article, members were reminded that Jehovah's Witnesses do not donate blood nor store their own blood prior to surgery.^[25] This article is about the year 2000. ...

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses has decided to issue a new directive on blood to all congregations from January 2006, this replaces the 1995 directive.

Current Medical Issues

Medical procedures

Certain medical procedures involving blood are specifically prohibited in Jehovah's Witnesses publications. Other procedures are not prohibited, but the decision is left to the individual to determine whether the procedure is in violation of the doctrine on blood. For procedures where there is no specific advice, individuals are to obtain details from medical personnel and then make a personal decision.^[26]

The following medical procedures are specifically prohibited for Jehovah's Witnesses:

• Homologous whole blood transfusions, or transfusions using the stored blood of others.
• Autologous whole blood transfusions, or transfusions using one's own stored blood.^[27]
• Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), a method that is used to reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusion during surgery by pre-operative collection of blood for re-infusion during or after surgery.

The following medical procedures are not prohibited for Jehovah's Witnesses, however members are instructed to refuse a procedure that they personally feel violates the doctrine on blood: Two or more structures are said to be homologous if they are alike because of shared ancestry. ... Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. ... In biology, autologous refers to cells, tissues or even proteins that are reimplanted in the same individual as they come from. ...

• Closed-circuit acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), a modified technique in which equipment is arranged in a circuit that is constantly linked to the patient's circulatory system.
• Autologous blood salvage or cell-saver scavenging, a method of picking up blood that has spilled from the circulatory system into an open wound, cleaning and re-infusing it.

It is well-known in the medical community that Jehovah's Witnesses categorically refuse all blood transfusions of whole blood, and plasma. However, modern medical practise rarely uses homologous whole blood transfusions, preferring blood products.

Use of blood products

Use of any blood components are specifically prohibited in Jehovah's Witnesses publications. Fractions derived from blood are not prohibited, but the decision is left to the individual to determine whether the use of the product is in violation of the doctrine on blood. However, The Watchtower stated that most Christians would find objectionable fractions that are, "similar to the function of the whole component and carry on ... a life-sustaining role".^[28]

The following blood components are specifically prohibited for oral or intravenous consumption by Jehovah's Witnesses:

• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets
• Blood plasma

Products containing blood fractions are not prohibited for Jehovah's Witnesses, however members are instructed to refuse use of products where they personally feel that doing so would violate the doctrine on blood: Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen to body tissues via the blood. ... White Blood Cells is also the name of a White Stripes album. ... A 250 ml bag of newly collected platelets. ... Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. ...

• Fractions from red blood cell
  • Hemoglobin—the content of red blood cells. Also see blood substitutes
• Fractions from white blood cells
  • Interferons
  • Interleukins
• Fractions from platelets
  • Albumin
  • Globulins
  • Clotting factors, including Factor VIII and Factor IX derived from large quantities of stored blood
• All the fractions from blood plasma, but not whole plasma.
  • Wound healing factor
• Erythropoietin (EPO)
• PolyHeme, a blood substitute solution of chemically modified human hemoglobin
• Hemopure, a blood substitute solution of chemically stabilized bovine hemoglobin derived from cow's blood.

Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood. ... 3-dimensional structure of hemoglobin. ... Blood substitutes are used to fill fluid volume and/or carry oxygen and other gases in the cardiovascular system. ... White Blood Cells is also the name of a White Stripes album. ... Interferons (IFNs) are natural proteins produced by the cells of the immune systems of most animals in response to a challenge by a foreign agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumour cells. ... Interleukins are a group of cytokines that are expressed by white blood cells (leukocytes, hence the -leukin) as a means of communication (inter-). The function of the immune system depends in a large part on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune... A 250 ml bag of newly collected platelets. ... You may be looking for albumen, or egg white. ... A globular protein is a protein that is globe-like, or rounded in shape, often soluble in aqueous solution. ... Factor VIII (FVIII) is an essential clotting factor. ... Factor IX (or Christmas factor or Christmas-Eve factor) is one of the serine proteases (EC 3. ... Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. ... Erythropoietin Erythropoietin (or EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that is a growth factor for erythrocyte (red blood cell) precursors in the bone marrow. ... PolyHeme is a human hemoglobin-based temporary oxygen-carrying red blood cell substitute in development for the treatment of urgent, large volume blood loss in trauma and resultant surgical settings, with a particular focus on settings where blood is not immediately available. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Tribes Bovini Boselaphini Strepsicerotini The biological subfamily Bovinae includes a diverse group of about 24 medium-sized to large ungulates, including domestic cattle, bison, the Water Buffalo, the Yak, and the four-horned and spiral-horned antelopes. ...

Other medical treatments

The use of dialysis machines and cell salvage, a procedure which recycles blood during operations is considered to be a matter for personal choice. In medicine, dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy which is used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function in renal failure. ...

Bloodless surgery

While Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood for religious reasons, there are non-Witness patients who also choose to avoid blood on non-religious grounds such as concern about AIDS, non-A non-B hepatitis, and immunologic reactions. As a result, bloodless surgery and transfusion alternatives are more commonplace than in the past. For example, Pennsylvania Hospital has a bloodless medicine program PennHealth - Bloodless Medicine. Worldwide there are 106 medical centers to date that provide bloodless medicine programs, with 99 in the United States alone [1]. The Red Ribbon is a symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a collection of symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by infection with the human... Hepatitis is a gastroenterological disease, featuring inflammation of the liver. ... The Pennsylvania Hospital by William Strickland (1755) Pennsylvania Hospital is the first hospital in the United States. ...

Thousands of physicians around the world are now successfully treating patients without using blood transfusions. Many medical facilities offer bloodless medicine and surgery as a special service for adult and pediatric patients who wish to avoid blood transfusions, whatever the reasons for their choice, even in such invasive operations such as open-heart surgery and total hip replacements [2], [3], [4], [5]

For example, a major study published in both the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal The Lancet showed that in many cases transfusions were actually not as necessary as healthcare providers often believe. A summary of the study states: The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest association of medical doctors in the United States. ... The Lancet is one of the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed medical journals, published weekly by the Lancet Publishing Group, part of Reed Elsevier. ...

[E]xamining the case records of nearly 2,000 adult Jehovah's Witnesses who underwent surgery without transfusions at 12 hospitals, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Dr. Carson reported that most patients did very well. In another study comparing patients who did and did not receive blood across a data base of 8,787 hip surgery patients, Dr. Carson and his colleagues reported that transfusions increased the rate of complications, but did not improve survival rates. [Emphasis added]

Jehovah's Witnesses have produced several video documentaries showing the benefits of nonblood techniques. These feature interviews with many leading surgeons and prominent physicians in this field of medicine from around the globe.[6] ^[29]

However, in cases of certain medical emergencies when bloodless medicine is not available, blood transfusions may seem to be the only available way to save a life. Such situations are obviously very serious. However, the Jehovah's Witness patient still must not accept blood. In those instances, Witnesses ask conscientious doctors to provide the best alternative care possible under the circumstances, respecting the beliefs and consciences of their Witness patients. This has led to the death of members, as stated in the May 22, 1994 issue of Awake, p. 2: "In former times thousands of youths died for putting God first. They are still doing it, only today the drama is played out in hospitals and courtrooms, with blood transfusions the issue." A medical emergency is an injury or illness that poses an immediate threat to a persons health or life which requires help from a doctor or hospital. ... May 22 is the 142nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (143rd in leap years). ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International year of the Family. ...

Hospital Liaison Committees

To facilitate surgery without violating their belief against transfusions, the Governing Body has set up "Hospital Liaison Committees" to enroll doctors and surgeons who will practice "bloodless surgery" for Witness patients. Currently there are some 1600 such committees in 200 different countries of the world, and over 110,000 doctors and surgeons who have agreed to treat Jehovah's Witnesses without making an issue of blood transfusions. The last twenty years have witnessed a surge of interest in bloodless surgery, for a variety of reasons. ...

"Hospital Information Services", a department of the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses researches medical literature on the subject and translates medical-journal articles into dozens of languages. This department provides information to the local Hospital Liaison Committees and to doctors and hospitals seeking assistance in treatment options for Witnesses.^[30]

The Watch Tower Society has published information about the medical matters in general and blood transfusion in particular in order to both provide an explanation of their view, and also promote the idea that the practice violates God's laws. A number of corporations are in use by Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

Many Witnesses carry a "Hospital Care Card" or an "Advance Medical Directive/Release card" ("No Blood" card) and, in some countries, a health-care durable power of attorney (DPA) form, outlining their wishes in case of emergencies. They also give this information to medical personnel prior to surgeries or other medical procedures that might involve the blood issue, organ transplants, or a decision whether or not to sustain their lives under any circumstances. Currently it is dubious whether these carry legal weight in Australia, but they probably do not. A power of attorney or letter of attorney in common law systems or mandate in civil law systems is an authorization to act on someone elses behalf in a legal or business matter. ...

Minor children have an "Identity Card" outlining the wishes of the parents or guardians, and including information on how to contact a parent, relative, or somebody responsible for the child. These are powerless under Australian law.

Critical View

Some feel there are two inconsistencies in the current policy that groups such as "Associated Jehovah's Witnesses for Reform on Blood" are attempting to have addressed. They feel that accepting blood fractions does not adhere to the principle that blood be poured out. Furthermore, they also believe that if blood fractions are accepted then Jehovah’s Witnesses should also be allowed to donate blood.

When asked the question, can Jehovah's Witnesses accept blood fractions? The official answer is "We can not say. The Bible does not give details..."^[31] Thus it is left to each member to make their own conscientious decision. This is because the Bible itself does not define the Greek word, "HAIMA" rendered blood. This would not pose an issue back in Bible times. However, today blood can be broken down into components, and now even further into smaller fractions. Are these tiny fractions "blood"and thus to be "abstained" or are they no longer "blood"? Witnesses will vary on how they decide and feel.

An essential point to keep in mind while trying to understand their view on blood is that the fluid blood per say is not the real issue. The real issue is respect and obedience for God’s personal property- blood.^[32][33] That the matter blood is not at stake, is seen in the fact that members are allowed to eat meat which will still have some blood left in it. As soon as blood is drain from an animal, the respect has been shown to God and then a person can eat the meat even though it will contain a small amount of blood. Various meats Meat, in its broadest modern definition, is all animal tissue intended to be used as food. ...

It is also important to realize that an Israelites could give, or sell an animal which was not bleed to a foreigner who was not bound by the same laws.^[34] Thus a foreigner could eat blood (in the animal) whereas an Israelite could not. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not donate blood since they do not see how doing so shows the respect God asks for the substance. With the above in mind, some do not see any inconsistencies in the official blood policy.

If a person has previously been disfellowshipped for accepting a blood fraction that is now permissible they are not automatically reinstated, as the disfellowshipping is considered to be a result of showing disrespect for the leadership of the Organization as much as the issue of blood.

Regardless of the medical considerations, Jehovah's Witnesses advocate that physicians should uphold the right of a patient to choose what treatments they accept or do not accept.[7] Accordingly, US courts tend not to hold physicians responsible for adverse health effects that a patient incurred out of his or her own requests.[8] However, the point of view that physicians must, in all circumstances, abide by the religious wishes of the patients is not acknowledged by all jurisdictions (for one example, see France).

The situation has been controversial, particularly in the case of minor children. In the United States, many physicians will agree to explore and exhaust all non-blood alternatives in the treatment of children at the request of their legal guardians. However, some state laws require physicians to administer blood-based treatment to minors if it is their professional opinion that it is necessary to prevent immediate death or severe permanent damage.

According to Journal of Church and State in a recent peer-reviewed article, Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to accept whole blood provided it is in the form of blood fractions. ^[35]

Kerry Louderback-Wood, the writer, alleges that to label the currently acceptable blood fractions as "minute" in relation to whole blood, causes followers to misunderstand the scope and extent of allowed fractions. She also claims Witness publications exaggerate the medical risks of taking blood and the efficiency of non-blood medical therapies in critical situations.^[36]

Raymond Franz, a former member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses revealed in his book Crisis of Conscience that for some years prior to 1975 hemophiliacs writing or phoning Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters were told that they would be allowed to take a clotting factor derived from blood just once as "medication", but that taking it more than once would be considered "feeding on blood", and was hence prohibited.^[37] In a meeting on June 11, 1975, the Governing Body adjusted its position, deciding to allow hemophiliacs to take clotting factors repeatedly. This change of policy was privately communicated to those who had earlier enquired, but was not published publicly until 3 years later in 1978, when it was mentioned briefly in a Watchtower article discussing serum injections.^[38] It is not known how many hemophiliac members may have died between 1975 and 1978 due to refusing treatment, unaware that the Governing Body had changed their position. However, while this change allowed hemophiliacs to accept blood fractions, accident victims still were required to refuse blood fractions. Raymond Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses for nine years (1971–1980), and at the World headquarters for fifteen years (1965–1980). ... The Governing Body supervises all the activities of the Jehovahs Witnesses, sometimes referred to as the Watch Tower Society, throughout the earth. ... Haemophilia or hemophilia is the name of any of several hereditary genetic illnesses that impair the bodys ability to control bleeding. ... June 11 is the 162nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (163rd in leap years), with 203 days remaining. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1978 calendar). ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1978 calendar). ...

Immunoglobulin injections are another conscience matter, even though requiring 3 litres of blood to manufacture and often coming from pooled blood sources containing the blood of up to 60,000 people. (needs references) Schematic of antibody binding to an antigen An antibody is a protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. ...

References

Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... TheGolden Age are an indie, rhythm and blues, rock and roll band from Sheffield, UK. // Current Members Nick Cooper - vocals and rhythm guitar Rich Jones - drums and backing vocals Paul Hoyland - Lead guitar Indy Chanda - Bass History The band was formed in 2003 as a four-piece, consisting of Rich... Consolation was Dutch death metal band and was formed in 1989. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Awake! is a general-interest magazine published by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Awake! is a general-interest magazine published by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... Jehovahs Witnesses offer copies of The Watchtower from door to door or, when approval is given, wherever people might read them. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 15 is the 166th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (167th in leap years), with 199 days remaining. ... This article is about the year 2000. ... November 1 is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 60 days remaining. ... 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (the link is to a full 1961 calendar). ... September 15 is the 258th day of the year (259th in leap years). ... It has been designated the: International Year of Rice (by the United Nations) International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition (by UNESCO) 2004 World Health Day topic was Road Safety (by World Health Organization) Year of the Monkey (by the Chinese calendar) See the world in...

See also

• Blood transfusions
• Bloodless surgery
• Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues
• Knocking, a documentary on Witnesses that features bloodless medicine.

Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. ... The last twenty years have witnessed a surge of interest in bloodless surgery, for a variety of reasons. ... Knocking is a 2006 documentary directed by Joel Engardio and Tom Shepard that focuses on the civil liberties fought for by Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

External links

Online articles

• Online version of Jehovah's Witnesses brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life?
• Assorted articles on medical care and blood published by Jehovah's Witnesses
• Jehovah's Witnesses teachings on blood from religioustolerance.org
• Raymond Franz a former member of the Governing Body of Jehovah' Witnesses critiques this blood policy controversy in detail.
• Blood and Life, Law and Love by former Governing Body member Raymond Franz
• The Jensen Letters Correspondence between a Jehovah's Witness elder and the Watchtower Society seeking answers to critical questions about important aspects of their blood doctrine. The correspondence begins in 1998 and concludes in 2003 with the writer's resignation as an elder.
• Ethical Issues in Compulsory Medical Treatment: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Jehovah’s Witnesses & Blood Transfusions by T. L. Frazier, a member of St. Nicholas Cathedral
• Article on changing blood policy from JW Files

Raymond Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses for nine years (1971–1980), and at the World headquarters for fifteen years (1965–1980). ... Raymond Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses for nine years (1971–1980), and at the World headquarters for fifteen years (1965–1980). ...

Websites

• Official website of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society
• Official website of Associated Jehovah's Witnesses for Reform on Blood
• Official website of Bloodless Healthcare International