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Transfusions, Birthdays, and Wearing Crosses

Blood Transfusions

The Watchtower Society that a Jehovah’s Witness MUST refuse blood transfusions in
every and all circumstances – even when doctors say death is inevitable without such
transfusion. JW’s also cannot let their children receive a blood transfusion, even if they
die. Where do they get this doctrine?

Genesis 9:4 “Only flesh with its soul – its blood – you must not eat.” They argue that blood transfusions
are the same as eating blood.

Blood in a transfusion does not function as FOOD, but rather it gives life. A transfusion is NOT eating
blood. It is not equivalent to intravenous feeding. It is the transference of life from one person to
another, a gift of strength offered in a spirit of mercy and charity.

In Lev. 7:26-27 the Bible does forbid eating of blood – but this has nothing to do with blood transfusions.
This verse forbids the eating of fat and blood. This references the eating of animal blood – not the
transfer of human blood from one person to another.

Why Won’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Take blood Transfusions

WITNESSING NOTE: Why do Watchtower leaders prohibit blood transfusions but allow for the eating
of fat?

Birthdays

The Watchtower Society strictly forbids JWs from celebrating birthdays. Even the act of
wishing someone a happy birthday or sending them a card is forbidden. Why?

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