No religion explicitly forbids its members from donating blood. However, Jehovah's Witnesses hold a religious belief against receiving blood transfusions, based on their interpretation of biblical texts. This belief often leads to the perception that they cannot give blood, but this is a misconception. Their stance is against receiving blood, not donating it. Many other religions actively encourage blood donation as an act of charity and compassion.
The belief of Jehovah's Witnesses against blood transfusions stems from their interpretation of biblical passages that command abstaining from blood (see jw.org). This is a religious, not a medical, issue. It's crucial to understand that their refusal is specific to receiving blood, not donating it.
Several sources confirm that most major religions support organ and blood donation (see Iowa Donor Network, UT Southwestern Transplant Services Center). The NHS, for example, explicitly states that religion is no barrier to donation (see NHS Blood and Transplant). The Episcopal Church, for instance, passed a resolution in 1982 supporting blood donation (see Iowa Donor Network).
While some individuals might have personal religious objections, these are not representative of a blanket ban within a specific religion.
