The Jehovah’s Witnesses have partly eased their longstanding prohibition on the medical use of donated blood, allowing members to receive products derived from blood but maintaining a ban on transfusions of whole blood.
The policy, announced Friday, is the second revision this year in what has long been one of the most controversial and distinctive teachings of the religious organization.
The new policy says that individuals can receive products derived from blood donated by other people. It says they can receive medical treatments that involve the use of the four main components of whole blood: plasma, platelets and red and white blood cells.
“Each Christian must make his own personal decision about the use of these four primary components in all medical and surgical care,” said Geoffrey W. Jackson, a member of the Governing Body of the organization, based in New York State.
The new announcement also allows members to decide as a matter of individual conscience whether to donate blood to be used for blood products for the medical treatment of others.
But the organization continues to oppose members receiving transfusions of whole blood or donating blood for that purpose.
In March, the Governing Body also announced a revised policy, authorizing members to have their blood stored for their own future medical treatment, but not for others’.
Critics have faulted the organization for prohibiting the use of a proven treatment that can be lifesaving in replenishing blood lost in surgeries, accidents or violence. Critics, including former church members, say that the teaching has led to deaths that could have been prevented.
The Jehovah's Witnesses' longtime opposition to blood transfusions derives from their interpretation of Bible passages requiring believers to “abstain” from blood. While Jewish and other Christian religious traditions have interpreted this as a dietary law, Jehovah's Witnesses have extended that prohibition to transfusions.
Blood components are often used for specific treatments.
Plasma, the liquid component of blood, is often used for those suffering from trauma or certain diseases, according to the American Red Cross. Red cells can be used to treat conditions such as anemia and white cells to treat certain infections. Platelets are used in some cancer and other treatments.
Members shouldn’t make the decision on using blood products lightly, Paul Gillies, international spokesperson for the Jehovah’s Witnesses, said in an interview.
“What we’re saying is you have to pray about it, you have to study it, you have to see what the Bible has to say about it, because blood in the Bible represents life,” Gillies said. Members need to consider all these factors before reaching “a decision that you feel happy about with your God.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses, who emerged in 19th century America, share many Christian beliefs with other churches but diverge on key theological issues, such as the nature of Jesus and biblical prophecy. They are almost alone in their beliefs about blood transfusions. Jehovah’s Witnesses reported a U.S. membership of 1.3 million in 2025, with a worldwide membership of 9.2 million in more than 200 countries and territories.
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
FILE - A woman shares Jehovah's Witnesses' literature with a passerby in downtown Pittsburgh on Nov. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter Smith, File)
MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich star Harry Kane scored twice on a historic night, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals in the Bundesliga as his team thrashed Union Berlin 7-0 on Friday.
In England, Chelsea was handed a 3-0 drubbing by London rival Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho all scored in the second half as Brentford climbed to third in the Premier League with nine points from five games. Co-leaders Arsenal and Manchester City are three points ahead and play on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
“Disappointed with the second half, disappointed with the result,” Chelsea manager Alonso said. “This is not how to compete in the Premier League. We were punished. At the moment we are not being consistent enough to compete during the whole game, 45 minutes is not enough, you need to compete for the whole game."
England striker Kane, 33, achieved his milestone by converting a 39th-minute penalty to extend Bayern’s lead to 3–0 before halftime. Jamal Musiala had opened the scoring in the 18th, while Michael Olise added another in the 43rd.
Kane struck again in the 54th, bringing his total to 101 goals in 99 matches. The previous record for the fastest to a century was set at 123 games by Dieter Müller, a prolific striker for Cologne in the 1970s.
Olise then completed a hat-trick in the 73rd and 76th. Ismael Saibari was also on target.
“Very proud, to be honest, to reach 100 goals in the Bundesliga,” Kane said. “Obviously, I’ve done it in the Premier League, so now to have it in a different league is something I’m really proud of. All I can say is a big thanks to the team.”
On average, Kane has found the net once every 78.3 minutes since his arrival in Germany in 2023, surpassing the likes of Erling Haaland (87 minutes), Robert Lewandowski (100) and Gerd Müller (105).
Following two unconvincing Bundesliga performances against promoted teams, a goalless draw with Schalke and a 2–1 win over Elversberg, the victory gave leader Bayern 10 points through four matches. It is one point ahead of Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund, who both have a game in hand.
In France, Monaco continued its impressive start to the season under new coach Filipe Luis, defeating Lens 2–1 to remain unbeaten at the top of Ligue 1.
Paris Brunner put Monaco ahead in the 32nd, but Matthieu Udol equalized in the 57th. Jonathan Gradit then scored an own goal in the 84th.
Brunner is still awaiting a likely sanction for a throat-slitting gesture during a goal celebration last weekend.
Lens coach Dino Toppmöller was dismissed in the week after just six games in charge.
In Italy, Gustavo Varela scored twice as Monza pulled off an upset by beating Sassuolo 2–1 to secure its first Serie A win of the season.
Varela found the net in the 51st and 63rd for the Biancorossi, who had lost three of their opening four matches.
Vasilije Adžić pulled a goal back for Sassuolo in the 88th, but it was a disappointing night for a side coming off a 3–2 victory over Juventus.
In Spain, Elche recovered from the early sending-off of Federico Redondo to climb off the foot of the table with a 3-1 win at Espanyol.
Fer Nino scored twice for Elche and Germán Valera also struck. Espanyol replied with an own goal from Víctor Chust.
Elche is now fourth-bottom while Espanyol is ninth.
See AP’s full soccer coverage here
Patrick Cutrone of AC Monza fights for the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and Sassuolo FC the Brianteo Stadium in Monza, north Italy, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Tiziano Ballabio /LaPresse via AP)
Ricardo Mangas of AC Monza kicks the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and Sassuolo FC the Brianteo Stadium in Monza, north Italy, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Tiziano Ballabio /LaPresse via AP)
Bayern's head coach Vincent Kompany gestures during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and 1. FC Union Berlin in Munich, Germany, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Bayern's Michael Olise celebrates after scoring his side's sixth goal during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and 1. FC Union Berlin in Munich, Germany, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Bayern's Harry Kane scores his side's second goal by a penalty during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and 1. FC Union Berlin in Munich, Germany, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
