The Transcript of the Blood Update
Notably, this closed with an update on how Jehovah’s Witnesses handle autologous blood. Here is the transcript derived from the subtitles (italics are original):
10:57
Jehovah God is the Life-Giver, and he wants us to respect the gift of life. One way we shall respect for life is by obeying his commands concerning blood. Jehovah gave Noah and his descendants the timeless command: “Only flesh with its life—its blood—you must not eat.” [Genesis 9:4] He likewise directed Christians to ‘abstain from … what he strangled and from blood.’ As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we conscientiously obey this command today. It also affects the decisions we make about medical treatment involving blood. When making decisions about blood, we have also been guided over the years by what the Mosaic Law stated at Leviticus 17 verse 13: “If one of the Israelites or some foreigner who is residing in this hunting and catches a wild animal or a bird that may be eaten, he must poor its blood out and cover it with dust.” However, is that law binding on Christians? The simple answer is no. For one thing, Christians today are not under the Mosaic Law. As the apostle Paul said, as recorded at Colossians 2:13 and 14: “God … erased the handwritten document that consisted of decrease and was in opposition to us. He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake.” Therefore, Christians are not under the command that blood be poured out and covered with dust. Furthermore, the Bible does not comment on the use of a person‘s own blood in medical and surgical care. Regarding the use of own blood, our position has been as is stated in the October 15, 2000, issue of The Watchtower. There it says: “A Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure medical test current therapy.” [“Questions From Readers” p. 31] For that reason, many Christians except simple procedures, such as blood tests, as well as more complicated procedures involving their own blood, such as the use of heart-lung machines, cell salvage devices, and kidney dialysis treatments. However, the list of treatment options continues to grow. Therefore, after much prayer and consideration of the Scriptures, the Governing Body has decided to clarify our position on the use of a patient’s own blood in medical and surgical care. The clarification is this: Each Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be used in all medical and surgical care. This includes whether to allow his own blood to be removed, stored, and then given back to him. What does this mean? Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others made object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care. In review, Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. However, we obey the apostolic command to abstain from blood. Furthermore, the Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Therefore, like other choices about healthcare, each Christian must make his own decision about the use of his own blood in all medical and surgical care.
15:34
With regard to blood, Jehovah’s Witnesses have understood Acts 15 to mean they should not consume whole blood, either by mouth or by transfusion, and that they should not donate blood. This position has protected Jehovah’s people spiritually and physically. We’ve also applied this principle to the four main components of blood: that’s red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. Medical science has shown the effectiveness of treatments that avoid blood transfusions and associated risks.For the record, I have also updated my previous blog entry on May 17, 2012, Concise Summary on the Christian Standard on Blood jimspace3000.blogspot.com/2012/05/concise-summary-on-christian-standard.html.
Nevertheless, advances in medical treatments have raised many questions about the application of Bible principles to various health situations. Therefore, the 2026 Governing Body Update No. 2 stated: “Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. However, we obey the apostolic command to abstain from blood. Furthermore, the Bible does not comment on the use of a person’s own blood in medical and surgical care. Therefore, like other choices about healthcare, each Christian must make his own decision about the use of his own blood in all medical and surgical care.”
This scriptural clarification allows each Christian to do as stated in Galatians 6:5: “Each one will carry his own load.”
After further prayerful consideration, the Governing Body has decided that this same principle applies to the four primary components of whole blood—that’s red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets—that are derived from another person’s blood. Therefore, each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care. Likewise, each Christian must decide whether to donate components or fractions derived from his own blood.
Now, does this mean that the Governing Body views lightly the matter of treatments involving one or more of the primary blood components? No, not at all. The Governing Body continues to regard this as a very serious matter. However, since the Scriptures don’t comment on the various products that may be derived from blood, we recognize that, in harmony with 1 Corinthians 4:6, we are not authorized to “go beyond the things that are written.” We also recognize the importance of what is stated at 2 Corinthians 1:24: “Not that we are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.”
How should a Christian view the matter of accepting or rejecting one or more of the four main components? Each Christian should continue to give prayerful thought to the factors involved before making a decision. Taking this matter lightly could harm a Christian’s conscience and his precious relationship with Jehovah.
What factors could a Christian consider when making a medical decision involving the use of a product derived from another person’s blood? Each Christian will likely reason differently. Some might reject all such products because they believe that taking any part of blood is wrong. Others might accept certain products because they represent a small percentage of whole blood. For example, some components make up a smaller percentage of whole blood than certain fractions that some Christians might already be willing to accept.
Whatever the case, Romans 14:12 states: “Each of us will render an account for himself to God.”
To help each of God’s servants to make an informed personal decision, the Governing Body has approved the release of a simple chart. It identifies some of the more common products derived from blood. The chart, along with a “Questions From Readers” article based on this update, will soon be released on JW.org and in the JW Library app. In addition, Watchtower Study articles are being prepared to discuss this matter further, and an updated medical directive will be available soon.
After considering these and other factors, each Christian must decide whether or not he will accept a component or a fraction derived from another person’s blood. The congregation will not get involved in that decision, and individual Christians should not judge others. There’s usually no need to discuss these personal medical decisions with individuals other than the healthcare agents listed on your medical directive. At your request, the local Hospital Liaison Committee is ready to support you in your decision. The brothers can help you find doctors who will respect your conscience, and they will keep your decisions confidential.
What if a Christian’s employment involves blood or blood products? The principles in the “Questions From Readers” article in the April 15, 1999 issue of The Watchtower can help him make a wise decision and keep a clean conscience.
Brothers and sisters, we know this is a lot of information for you to take in. But what’s the main point?
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t accept transfusions of whole blood, nor do we donate whole blood to be transfused to others. We also don’t eat blood or unbled meat. However, whether to accept components or fractions derived from another person’s blood is a decision for each Christian to make. Likewise, each Christian must decide whether or not to donate components or fractions derived from his own blood.
Please be assured that the Governing Body remains determined to show respect for Jehovah’s precious gifts of life and blood. However, we recognize that each Christian must bear his own responsibility to make conscientious decisions before Jehovah. Therefore, the Governing Body urges all of God’s people to consider prayerfully all factors relevant to their situation when making medical decisions involving products derived from blood. In this way, each Christian can make a decision that leaves him with a clean conscience and shows deep respect for Jehovah, the Source of life.
14:14
It is noteworthy that future “Watchtower Study articles” will be released discussing the transition Jehovah’s Witnesses are now experiencing on this issue, and this will doubtlessly include a significant, now long-awaited update to Chapter 39 “God’s View of Blood” in the Enjoy Life Forever! book.
Labels: Bible
posted by JimSpace at 12:04 PM
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