Quebec judge orders blood transfusions for twins of Jehovah’s Witness parents

A Quebec judge has ordered a Quebec City hospital to give premature twins a blood transfusion despite the objections of their Jehovah’s Witness parents.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Jean Bouchard ruled Wednesday that the hospital should continue with the procedure after doctors treating the babies were able to demonstrate the severity of the situation.

Jehovah’s Witnesses and Blood

“[T]he Jehovah’s Witnesses organization prohibits the use of blood transfusions. Individual Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to die or let their children die, rather than break this command, even though the Scriptures nowhere teach that blood transfusions are wrong.”
Four Dangers of the Jehovah’s Witness Organization

Dr. Sylvie Belanger and Dr. Genevieve Piuze told the court that blood transfusions were necessary to keep the twins alive and to avoid brain damage.

A doctor who is a Jehovah’s Witness testified on the parents behalf that alternatives to transfusion were available.

The twins were born by caesarean birth last Thursday following a 25-week pregnancy.

The parents say they are willing to co-operate with the decision.

Source

(Listed if other than Religion News Blog, or if not shown above)
, Canadian Press, via The Gazette, May 24, 2007, http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette

Religion News Blog posted this on Thursday May 24, 2007.
Last updated if a date shows here:

   

More About This Subject

AFFILIATE LINKS

Our website includes affiliate links, which means we get a small commission -- at no additional cost to you -- for each qualifying purpose. For instance, as an Amazon Associate, Religion News Blog earns from qualifying purchases. That is one reason why we can provide this research service free of charge.

Speaking of which: One way in which you can support us — at no additional cost to you — is by shopping at Amazon.com.