Presbyterian churches have no teaching prohibiting blood transfusions or other medical uses of blood products. Presbyterian bioethics is grounded in the sixth commandment's requirements to preserve life — the Westminster Larger Catechism (Q&A 135) specifies that the sixth commandment requires 'all careful studies and lawful endeavors to preserve the life of ourselves and others' including the 'use of all lawful means and occasions.' Medical treatment, including blood transfusions when necessary, is consistent with this duty.

The biblical prohibitions on eating blood (Acts 15:29; Leviticus 17) are interpreted in light of their original context as dietary and sacrificial regulations, not as applying to modern medical procedures. The Presbyterian tradition's positive view of medicine as a gift of God's common grace means that life-saving medical treatment is encouraged, not prohibited. There is no controversy within Presbyterian churches on this question.