For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
rene lopez
The abstaining from blood was not a mandate from GOD, it was a request from Paul to the gentiles that were being introduced in to Christianity by the new Christian Jews. They were telling the gentiles that they had to obey the Jewish laws like circumcision. Paul wanted a compromise to placate the Jews so he asked that they abstain from certain things so as not to insult the Jews. Read all of ch.14 and 15. This is why they are considered a killer cult, like Jim Jones' cult.
James Kraft
I do beleive that this is one of those things that is between the believer and the Lord. I do not believe it is wrong to get a transfusion nor is it mandatory that we get one.
Years ago I was given some medication for the flu, and it cause great bleeding in my stomach. My blood count was going down everyday and I got to the place where I could hardly stand up without passing out. The doctor told me I needed a transfusion.
This was about the same time that there were stories of how blood in blood banks was tainted with the HIV virus. I put my trust in the Lord that I would not need a transfusion as my thinking was that if I did I would not know for sure that I had not contracted it and therefore would not be able to have relations with my wife out of fear of giving it to her.
My blood count went very low but gradually began to come back. I was spared any and all effects from this ordeal and was completely restored to health.
It may have been my own unjust fear that I would contact the aids virus, but at the time I believed it was possible. The Lord kept me though my decision and restored me without a transfusion.