What are the Witnesses’ beliefs and how did the faith begin?

Jehovah’s Witnesses began in Pennsylvania in the 1870s with the Bible Students group, founded by Charles Taze Russell.

The name Jehovah’s Witnesses, based on Isaiah 43:10, was not adopted until 1931. Witnesses reject the doctrine of the Trinity and believe in the imminence of Armageddon

Why and how is blood a prohibition?

The prohibition is based on four passages from the Bible. Other religious groups who adhere strictly to these passages interpret them to mean consumption by mouth only. They include Genesis ix, 4: “Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood”

Is it possible to be a Witness and not refuse blood transfusions?

Witnesses can choose to accept whole blood transfusions but will be shunned by their community. Recently, a degree of flexibility has entered interpretation of the prohibition on blood and Witnesses are allowed to accept fractional blood components such as globulin, clotting factors, plasma proteins and haemoglobin.

The prohibition has also encouraged doctors to develop effective bloodless surgical methods. One study showed an exceptionally high risk of mortality in women who refused a blood transfusion when giving birth

Can doctors disregard such a request? Could next of kin overturn the patient’s wishes?

The courts have respected the rights of adult Witnesses to refuse transfusions. With children, doctors in Britain can go to court and get medical responsibility transferred from the parents

How many Witnesses are there? Is it regarded as a religion?

Numbers are declining slowly with about 70,000 in Britain. There are more than six million worldwide. The religion is recognised and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is a registered charity