30/09/2026
🩸 Jehovah’s Witnesses Blood Policy: 2026 Update
A new 2026 update provides important clarification for healthcare professionals caring for patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma, and certain blood fractions are now matters of individual conscience, emphasizing the importance of confirming each patient’s current preferences rather than assuming acceptance or refusal based solely on religious affiliation.
For clinicians and care teams, the key principles remain:
🔹 Respect patient autonomy
🔹 Confirm contemporary preferences directly with the patient
🔹 Review existing advance directives
🔹 Provide evidence-based, individualized care
🔹 Engage ethics support when preferences or documentation are unclear
Every patient deserves to be heard, informed, and respected in decisions regarding their care.
For general education only; not a substitute for direct patient discussion, current advance directives, or institutional ethics guidance.
