Alonzo Jay Shadman

Jehovah's Witnesses hold a distinctive religious belief, derived from their interpretation of biblical texts, that prohibits the acceptance of blood transfusions. This doctrine posits that blood represents life and is sacred to God, with its authorized use being solely for the atonement of sins. Consequently, they believe that consuming or receiving blood, even in emergencies, is forbidden. While the transfusion of whole blood and its primary components (red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma) is strictly prohibited, the use of blood fractions and certain medical procedures involving a patient's own blood (autologous) are often left to individual conscience.

The organization has established services like Hospital Information Services and Hospital Liaison Committees to educate medical professionals and facilitate bloodless medical and surgical alternatives. Members who unrepentantly accept a blood transfusion may be disfellowshipped and shunned. Despite the majority adhering to this doctrine, a minority hold different views. Studies suggest that patients undergoing bloodless surgery do not face increased surgical risks or long-term mortality compared to those receiving transfusions, and in some cases, survival rates have been observed to be higher.

Jehovah's Witnesses' stance on blood transfusions is rooted in their understanding of various biblical passages, which they interpret to mean that blood is sacred and represents life. They believe that after blood is removed from a creature, its only divinely sanctioned use is for atonement. Therefore, abstaining from blood, including transfusions, is seen as an expression of faith in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ's blood. This prohibition extends to medical emergencies, with the belief that life should not be sustained by consuming blood. While whole blood and its main components are forbidden, the doctrine permits individual conscience to guide decisions regarding the use of certain blood fractions and procedures involving a patient's own blood, such as hemodilution or cell salvage.

To support their members' convictions, Jehovah's Witnesses have developed extensive resources for bloodless medical care. The Watch Tower Society operates Hospital Information Services and coordinates Hospital Liaison Committees, which work with physicians and hospitals to provide education and facilitate bloodless surgery programs. These initiatives aim to identify and promote alternative treatments that respect the religious objections to blood transfusions. Despite these efforts, the organization acknowledges that some members have died due to refusing blood transfusions. In legal contexts, parental decisions regarding transfusions for children can sometimes be overruled by medical staff or courts, especially in life-threatening emergencies, with varying regulations across different countries.

Acceptance of a blood transfusion by a baptized Jehovah's Witness who does not repent is considered an abandonment of the group's doctrines, leading to disassociation and subsequent shunning by fellow members. While the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses adhere to the blood transfusion prohibition, a minority do not share this view. The organization provides guidance on procedures and products, distinguishing between those that are absolutely prohibited, such as whole blood transfusions, and those that are a matter of personal choice, like certain blood fractions or autologous procedures. Patient Visitation Groups also offer spiritual encouragement to hospitalized members.