Anger over lives lost after Jehovah's Witnesses change blood transfusion doctrine
The Jehovah's Witnesses have updated their doctrine to allow members to choose whether to accept blood transfusions, a move that has sparked anger among those who lost loved ones under the previous strict ban. Former members and families of the deceased are criticizing the church for the delay in implementing this life-saving change.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in a major religious organization's medical policy, highlighting the tension between religious doctrine and public health outcomes.
Hunter woman Heather Winchester died after refusing a blood transfusion following complications during surgery in 2019. ( Supplied: Elizabeth Macintyre )
The Jehovah's Witnesses governing body has changed longstanding doctrine to allow followers to choose whether to accept red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets.
There has been relief and anger in the wake of lives lost in Australia after transfusions were refused.
A Hunter Valley woman says her mother's life could have been saved under the doctrine change.
Link copied Share Share article The daughter of a Jehovah's Witness who bled to death in Newcastle after refusing a blood transfusion says she is angry the faith has taken so long to tweak its doctrine to allow for blood transfusions in emergencies.
Last week, the church announced it would alter its longstanding controversial opposition to lifesaving blood components for medical use.
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