Blood Transfusion

The GSCE syllabus specifically mentions blood transfusions.

Most cultures, including Christians, are generally in favour of transplantation. Certainly, the donation of blood, the first transplant procedure to become a routine part of modern medicine, has been regarded as a good and loving act[4]. Clearly, there is no obvious biblical case for the Christian viewpoint, since transplantation would simply not have been an issue when the bible was written. However, the attitude of self sacrificial love, exemplified perfectly in Jesus[5], would seem to suggest that [blood transfusion] would be in line with biblical ideals. [extract from Giving and receiving, a 2002 report on xenotransplantation - see the original article for details of references]

One religious group who have alternate views on blood transfusions are the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their beliefs and the basis for them are discussed in the following articles:

• Jehovah's Witnesses and Blood Transfusions
• Jehovah's Witnesses and their changing attitude to blood transfusions in 2001