Practice Update: Blood Component Decisions for Jehovah’s Witness Patients

Jehovah’s Witnesses recently announced an important change in their guidance regarding blood transfusion. As of September 18, 2026, decisions regarding transfusion of donor red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, or platelets are considered matters of individual conscience for each Jehovah’s Witness patient. The religious position against transfusion of whole blood remains unchanged.

What this means for SOAP Members and Obstetric Anesthesia practice:
This change should not be interpreted as blanket acceptance of blood components. Individual patients may continue to decline some or all blood products based on their personal religious beliefs and conscience.

For pregnant patients who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses, clinicians should avoid assumptions about which products are acceptable. Preferences should be discussed directly and specifically with each patient, ideally antenatally when significant hemorrhage risk is anticipated, and clearly documented. Previously documented preferences should be reconfirmed when appropriate.

This change reinforces the importance of individualized, informed decision-making and careful advance planning in obstetric care.

SOAP encourages members to review the primary Jehovah’s Witness materials describing this change, and to consider whether institutional protocols, consent processes, patient education materials, and documentation tools require updating.

Learn More:
Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Each Witness Now Decides Whether to Accept or Donate Main Blood Components”
Associated Press: “Jehovah’s Witnesses partly ease ban on medical use of donated blood”