Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses revealed that members can now have a blood transfusion comprised out of one of its four main components (such as PRBC, while whole blood transfusions LTOWB which could be delivered in an emergency trauma are still prohibited) without being punished and shunned. This comes in addition to a rule change earlier this year that allowed Witnesses to potentially store their own blood for medical procedures. I have a range of feelings, from shock, hurt, sadness, and happiness to rage and relief.

From the age of six, I was trained like a parrot to recite Acts 15:29 and Leviticus 17:10 to 14, and coached routinely on how to talk to a doctor if we ever had an emergency and doctors tried to give me a blood transfusion. I also carried a card from the age of six that stated I refused a blood transfusion and would rather die than accept one, because that is what was required of my parents to remain in good standing in that religion. I carried a version of that card until I left the religion in my early thirties. While I am happy that there will be fewer people affected by horrible draconian rules such as this one, it is unforgivable that so many people lost their lives because they were afraid of losing the ability to talk with and interact with their families if they were disobedient to a group of men who made these rules, who were not trained medical professionals, and whose actions have affected the way of life of millions of people.

My heart aches for those like my parents who have willingly spent their lives in that world, choosing to ignore the harm that it inflicts on its own adherents.

Pictured is one of the last versions of that document that I carried in my wallet in case of emergency.