Medical Ethics in the Treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses' (JWs) refusal of blood transfusions has recently gained support in the medical community because of the growing popularity of "no-blood" treatment. Many physicians, particularly so-called "sympathetic doctors", are establishing a close relationship with this religious organization. On the other hand, it is little known that this blood doctrine is being strongly criticized by reform-minded current and former_JWs who have expressed conscientious dissentfrom the organization. Their arguments reveal religious practices that conflict with many physicians' moral standards. They also suggest that a certain segment of "regular" or orthodox J7Ws may have different attitudes towards the blood doctrine. The author considers these viewpoints and argues that there are ethicalflaws in the blood doctrine, and that the medical community should reconsider its supportive position. The usual physician assumption that JWs are acting autonomously and uniformly in refusing blood is seriously questioned.(J7ournal ofMedical Ethics 1998;24:223-230)

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When Religious Beliefs Prohibit a Surgical Patient’s Acceptance of Blood Transfusion

Krishnamurthy¹

2015

CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology

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A 49-year-old man who was a Jehovah's Witness presented with intractable epilepsy due to a brain tumor. The neurologist wanted to refer him for tumor resection but was concerned about requesting surgery for someone who would not accept blood products. The neurologist must balance his obligation of beneficence and nonmaleficence with respect for the patient's autonomous decision not to receive blood products.Good communication between patient and doctor is crucial to allow patients to make informed decisions about a choice to refuse transfusion, and doctors must accept the patient's autonomy, even when it conflicts with the moral imperative to provide treatment if it is available.

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Medical Ethics in the Treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses

Cited by 4 publications

References 3 publications

A Point of Contention: The Scriptural Basis for the Jehovah's Witnesses' Refusal of Blood Transfusions

A Point of Contention: The Scriptural Basis for the Jehovah's Witnesses' Refusal of Blood Transfusions

Bioethics of the refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses: Part 1. Should bioethical deliberation consider dissidents' views?

When Religious Beliefs Prohibit a Surgical Patient’s Acceptance of Blood Transfusion

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