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Original poster

AIBU to want JW leaders to be held accountable for blood transfusion deaths.

115 replies

Exjw1975 · 21/09/2026 20:12

On Friday Jehovahs Witnesses announced a u-turn on their ban on blood transfusions. Over the years thousands have died following this rule and the change came with no apology or acknowledgment of all the lives lost.

I was raised in this cult and we all carried cards saying we didn’t want a blood transfusion. It’s hard to explain to people who haven’t been raised in it the amount of brainwashing used by these high-control religions.

While the rule change is obviously a good thing for the existing JWs, I am so angry that there will be no accountability for the men who make these rules. They have blood on their hands.

OP posts:
HowardTJMoon · 21/09/2026 20:56

I do see where you're coming from. However I don't think there's any political will to encourage the prosecution of religious leaders for telling their followers they shouldn't do something they're legally allowed to refuse.

Somethinggg · 21/09/2026 20:55

I can see why you'd want this given your experiences OP, but practically I don't think it sounds a very good idea.

OP posts:
ExquisiteSocialSkills · 21/09/2026 20:48

Some types of surgery can be performed without blood transfusions but it takes a much larger surgical team to carry out, as I understand it.

cannynotsay · 21/09/2026 20:45

Woahhhhh can’t believe this, nearly refused one myself till I almost died!

IronEverything · 21/09/2026 20:40

If a grown adults refuses a blood transfusion and dies then surely that's no-ones fault but their own?

Gengha · 21/09/2026 20:38

Exjw1975 · 21/09/2026 20:33

Children still die -they are coached what to say when it goes to court.

Show quote history

do you think the courts go by the child’s say so?

Italiangreyhound · 21/09/2026 20:36

@Exjw1975
I think you are completely right.

However, there will be comparisons with other religions and other rules, which is also sad.

Original poster
Exjw1975 · 21/09/2026 20:35

hardshoulderr · 21/09/2026 20:32

I think it's a strange thing to worry about

I grew up in this cult. A family member died refusing a blood transfusion. I’ve seen first hand how they brainwash members and don’t allow research or critical thinking.

OP posts:
Wasywasydoodah · 21/09/2026 20:35

I hear you, OP. It’s something most people don’t take much time to consider, but ultimately is a form of coercive and controlling behaviour on a massive scale, which has caused many to lose their lives unnecessarily. You’d think there should be some kind of law against it, but I’m not sure that currently there is

Original poster
Exjw1975 · 21/09/2026 20:33

Anothercake · 21/09/2026 20:31

Children still have transfusion as parents get overruled. Adults have capacity and can make their own choices. There are plenty of people who are grateful for donated blood, if a grown adult can't see the benefit it can go to someone who can.

Children still die -they are coached what to say when it goes to court.

OP posts:
hardshoulderr · 21/09/2026 20:32

I think it's a strange thing to worry about

Original poster
Exjw1975 · 21/09/2026 20:32

Merrybandofpirates · 21/09/2026 20:16

The change only allows for them to have their own blood taken and stored, to be given back if needed. Most people won’t do that. So… it’s not really going to make a huge difference and they aren’t going to allow blood transfusions in general, so why would they apologise for not allowing them in the past?

Fridays rule change now allows them to have a transfusion of Red blood cells, Plasma, Platelets or White cells. This covers about 90% of blood transfusions.

OP posts:
Anothercake · 21/09/2026 20:31

Children still have transfusion as parents get overruled. Adults have capacity and can make their own choices. There are plenty of people who are grateful for donated blood, if a grown adult can't see the benefit it can go to someone who can.

Merrybandofpirates · 21/09/2026 20:16

The change only allows for them to have their own blood taken and stored, to be given back if needed. Most people won’t do that. So… it’s not really going to make a huge difference and they aren’t going to allow blood transfusions in general, so why would they apologise for not allowing them in the past?