The New York-based Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses announced on Friday what it called a "clarification" of its doctrine.
The ban on receiving blood transfusions for religious reasons is being relaxed and members are now allowed to decide whether they want to have their own blood drawn and stored in advance, for example, for a planned operation with a risk of blood loss.
However, the organization maintains its broader prohibition against receiving the blood of others - one of the most controversial teachings within the movement.
Each Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be used in medical and surgical care, said Governing Body spokesman Gerrit Lösch in a video statement on the congregation's website.
