What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the ethical implications of allowing Jehovah's Witnesses to serve as living kidney donors despite their refusal of blood transfusions.

May 16, 2026

Should Jehovah’s Witnesses Be Living Kidney Donors?

Puntos clave

To examine the ethical implications of allowing Jehovah's Witnesses to serve as living kidney donors despite their refusal of blood transfusions.
Analyzed ethical considerations of organ donation involving Jehovah's Witnesses.
Discussed recent advancements in bloodless surgical techniques.
Evaluated the risk associated with kidney donation among healthy individuals.
Advances in bloodless surgery significantly reduce risks for donors.
Healthy Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrate low risk comparable to other donors.
Exclusion based on religious beliefs raises concerns about equality and autonomy.

Resumen

AbstractTransplant programs can be reluctant to accept Jehovah's Witnesses as living kidney donors, because Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions based on their religious beliefs. This article explores the ethical issues surrounding Jehovah's Witnesses as living kidney donors. I argue that, in light of the low risk of kidney donation for healthy patients and recent advances in the safety of bloodless surgery, healthy Jehovah's Witnesses meet the standard used to evaluate other prospective organ donors. Therefore, as a matter of equality, patient autonomy, and respect for altruism, Jehovah's Witnesses should not be automatically excluded from becoming kidney donors.

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The Journal of Clinical Ethics

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