Jehovah’s Witnesses have revised their position on four major blood components, giving individual members the freedom to decide whether to accept or donate them based on personal conscience.

The organisation announced the change in a statement from its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York, published on its website on Friday.

Under the revised policy, members can decide for themselves whether to receive red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets from another person.

They may also choose whether to donate blood specifically for the production of these components or fractions for another person’s medical treatment.

However, the organisation said its long-standing position against whole-blood transfusions remains unchanged. It linked the teaching to the biblical instruction to “abstain from blood” contained in Acts 15:20.

Paul Gillies, an international spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said the group continues to regard life and blood as sacred while recognising that decisions involving blood components are matters of individual conscience.

The organisation said the latest adjustment follows previous changes concerning blood fractions and the use of a member’s own blood during medical procedures.

It explained that because the Bible does not specifically address decisions concerning the four main blood components, members are expected to make their own choices based on conscience.

On healthcare, the organisation said its members seek professional medical treatment and do not practise faith healing. It added that they seek doctors who can provide effective care while respecting their beliefs and personal wishes.

Gillies said local congregations would not interfere in members’ individual decisions about blood components.

He added that the organisation would continue to respect and support members as they make personal medical decisions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses said they have more than nine million members in congregations across more than 200 countries and territories.

The latest change follows an earlier clarification that allowed members to personally decide whether their own blood could be removed, stored and returned to them during surgery and other medical procedures. The organisation maintained its position against receiving blood from another person.