It seems the Watchtower Bible and Track Society, also known as “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” is becoming increasingly concerned about potential lawsuits and its public image.
So much so that it now sounds like leaders are equivocating regarding long-standing organizational rules about blood transfusions.
It looks like Jehovah’s Witnesses will now be able to use some blood byproducts in life threatening circumstances, reports the San Bernardino Sun.
The blood byproduct PolyHeme, which helps to replace lost hemoglobin, was recently used by a Witness in a California hospital, reports the San Bernardino Sun.
A Witness official said, “When blood is fractionated beyond those primary components and other blood derivatives, we feel that it is an individual decision. If an individual’s conscience will allow him to accept the product, then that would be up to that individual. That is between himself and his God.”
However, the same spokesperson stated, “We feel that the Bible clearly indicates that blood is sacred and it is not to be used for human consumption.”
Historically many Witnesses have died rather than use blood products.
Previously Witnesses were not allowed to accept organ transplants and this also led to many deaths. But that policy was eventually abandoned through a supposed new revelation.
Obviously, there is some blood residue within a transplanted organ, just as there certainly is within blood that has been fractionated to create a byproduct like PolyHeme.
Never mind.
Scientific details regarding such matters don’t seem to concern Witnesses. The real issue is, does the hierarchy of the organization say it’s OK?
Witnesses essentially do whatever their leaders tell them. And apparently they don’t concern themselves with the inherent contradictions posed by a sudden shift in policy.
It is sad though; that so many Witnesses have died due to previous policies now rescinded and/or revised.
However, if this recent shift regarding the use of blood products represents a gradual move towards a more medically sound and safer situation for millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it certainly is a healthy development.
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