Ah, some people beat me to the 607 thing - cool.
I did have some other comments on your reply, though:
it's been taken out because when you start a study you go through a brochure "Blood how can it save you" or some such title.
This might be a change, so I'd like you to verify, if possible. Last I understood, two publications were studied before baptism - the 'Knowledge' book and a brochure that was out at the time - I don't remember the name, but it had a picture of several people of different nationalities on the cover and was regarding a 'god of love' or somesuch - maybe "Does God Really Care About Us?". The 'blood' brochure was definately something we were told NOT to study with the householders - indeed, it was implied we should skirt the question until they were baptised.
As for the blood card, they don't renew every year anymore because it doesn't go out of date so to speak, just cause it's last years model!
Well, that is SIGNIFICANTLY different from past teachings.
From a 1998 KM regarding the 'blood card' part (from the 1999 Watchtower CD):
20 min: Prepare Now to Uphold Gods Law on Blood. Qualified elder discusses importance of filling out both the Advance Medical Directive/Release card and the Societys health-care power of attorney form. Inspired direction at Psalm 19:7 shows that Acts 15:28, 29 is an expression of Gods perfect law on blood. Loyal worshipers strive to uphold that law. These documents make known your determination to do so and speak for you when you are unable to speak for yourself. (Compare Proverbs 22:3.) A new card provides a current declaration of your refusal to take blood. Following this meeting, baptized Witnesses who desire to have a new card will be given one, and those with unbaptized minor children will receive an Identity Card for each child. These cards are not to be filled out tonight. They should be filled out carefully at home but NOT signed. Signing, witnessing, and dating of all cards will be done after the next Congregation Book Study, under the supervision of the book study conductor. This will ensure that all assigned to his group who want to execute this medical directive have the needed assistance. Those signing as witnesses should actually see the cardholder sign the document. Anyone missing at that time and who desires to fill out and sign a card will be assisted by conductors/elders at the next Service Meeting until all baptized publishers have their cards properly completed. (Review letter of October 15, 1991.) By adapting language from this card to their own circumstances and convictions, unbaptized publishers may write out their own directive to use for themselves and their children. The durable power of attorney form on the other hand is a more comprehensive document and, since it is based on state statutory law, is respected by medical and legal personnel. (Refer as needed to the January 1997 sheet entitled "Information About the Societys Health-Care Durable Power of Attorney Forms" and the Question Box in the December 1995 OurKingdomMinistry.) For the best legal protection, it is recommended that both documents be filled out. On the front of the Advance Medical Directive/Release card write, preferably in your own hand: "I have also executed a health-care power of attorney."
And, in 1997, the language was even stronger:
20 min: Time to Renew the Advance Medical Directive/Release Card. Qualified elder discusses importance of filling out card completely and carrying it at all times. This document speaks for you if you are unable to speak for yourself in an emergency. (Compare Proverbs 22:3.) A new card needs to be filled out every year to give a current declaration on refusal of blood, since some doctors and others have claimed that documents older than one year may not reflect a persons current conviction. After the meeting, all baptized publishers will be given the Advance Medical Directive/Release card, and those with unbaptized minor children will receive an Identity Card for each child. Explain that these cards are not to be filled out tonight. They should be filled out carefully at home but NOT signed. Signing, witnessing, and dating of all cards will be done following the next Congregation Book Study, under the supervision of the book study conductor. He will check to see that all assigned to his group received a card and have needed assistance. Those signing as witnesses should actually see the cardholder sign the document. Anyone missing at that time will be assisted by conductors/elders at the next Service Meeting until all baptized publishers have their cards properly filled out and signed. (Review letter of October 15, 1991.) By adapting language from this card to their own circumstances and convictions, unbaptized publishers may write out their own directive to use for themselves and their children. Refer to Question Box of the December 1995 OurKingdomMinistry. Explain that the health-care power of attorney (proxy) form provided by the Society is a legal document recognized by medical and legal personnel and that when it is properly filled out, it offers additional legal assurance that ones wishes will be respected on blood and other health-care and end-of-life decisions. Baptized publishers may obtain a copy of this document from the secretary. (Unlike the Advance Medical Directive/Release card, which is renewed annually, the health-care power of attorney (proxy) form needs to be replaced only when you elect to make a change in it.) Exercising insight in caring for these vital details will merit good from Jehovah.Prov. 16:20.
Edited by - Xander on 15 July 2002 20:41:15