Ethical issues in the forced transfusion of Jehovah's Witness children

J Emerg Med. 1996 Mar-Apr;14(2):251-7. doi: 10.1016/0736-4679(95)02096-9.

Abstract

This paper examines the views of Jehovah's Witnesses in regards to their refusal of blood transfusions for themselves and their children. After setting out the legal framework society presently has in place for dealing with such refusals, the paper reviews the ethics literature that justifies the intervention by the State to force the transfusion of Jehovah's Witness children. It is claimed that the arguments such literature develops are seriously problematic. A different approach is suggested.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Child
  • Christianity*
  • Ethics*
  • Humans
  • Religion and Medicine*