Summary
Jehovah's Witnesses have changed their rules to let members use their own blood in medical procedures like planned surgeries. However, they still cannot receive blood from other people. This decision lets members decide for themselves about using their own blood but maintains the prohibition of using donated blood.
Key Facts
- Jehovah's Witnesses now allow members to use their own blood for medical procedures but not others' blood.
- The decision applies to planned surgeries.
- Members must still abstain from receiving blood from other people due to religious beliefs.
- Gerrit Losch, a leader in the group, announced the rule change.
- The organization claims 144,000 active members in the UK and nine million worldwide.
- Critics say the change is limited and doesn't help in emergencies needing outside blood.
- A recent court case in Scotland allowed a blood transfusion against a member's wishes in a medical emergency.
