Officials say that sextuplet infants, seized by the B.C. government for blood transfusions over the objections of their Jehovah’s Witness parents, could be taken again if the need arises.
The original seizure last Friday came after two medical experts advised the B.C. government to take three of the four surviving sextuplets and give two of them blood transfusions. On Wednesday, the government withdrew the order and the parents regained custody. However, the province can move in once again if the circumstances are repeated.
A lawyer for the family has accused the government of violating Supreme Court of Canada directives ensuring parents have a say before such procedures are done over their religious objections.
– Four Dangers of the Jehovah’s Witness Organization
But a section of the B.C. Child, Family and Community Service Act allowed the government to act before the parents had a hearing.
That section says the province’s regional director of child welfare doesn’t need a court order to move in as long as there are “reasonable grounds” to believe the child’s health or safety is in immediate danger.