Donating Blood

In normal circumstances, it would not be permissible to donate blood unless there is a dire need for it. So, one would be permitted to donate blood with the intention that it should be used for life-threatening situations. In principle, the blood should only be given when there is such an emergency.

However, in our era, because of the need to screen the blood for HIV and other problems, the blood has to be given and donated beforehand. Furthermore, the hospitals and blood banks are always in need of blood for such emergencies. Even if they are not in need of it immediately, they have the facilities to store blood bags in advance to treat patients as the need arises. Therefore, in the current circumstances, it would be permissible to donate one’s blood on condition that he does so for free, without taking anything in return.