We often allude to people who refuse blood transfusions but does anyone know the number of people who have died as a result of the Societies No Blood policy? I realize this might be hard to prove, but using the percentages the medical profession give such as you have a 75% chance of recovery with a transfusion vs a 0% chance of recovery without, how many deaths can we attribute to the policy? I assume countries with less available or advanced health services, may have a higher rate.
I know of one lady who refused a blood transfusion, she was in her 30's, and died. I've heard of people being df'd for it as well but I don't know of any who actually were. There are religious fanatics who martyr suicide bombers - does the Society martyr those JW's who refuse blood and do you think they keep that information at headquarters?
In having a discussion with a hardcore JW about blood transfusions and his children, he admitted there is no contest. If taking blood is wrong it's wrong (as directed by the GB) and regardless of wether or not a doctor guaranteed his child would live if she had one, he would not allow it. To JW's who escape and see the 'light', does it make you realize how very close you could have come at any time, in being responsible for the death of your spouse, child, parent etc because you were totally brainwashed? It's a slippery slope. Much like politics. The GB vote on major issues so this removes it from 'inspired biblical translation' to the realm of basic political doctrine. A government might determine, based on their own chief medical staffs, a vote process and their own beliefs, that all children born defective in any way, must be eliminated. Would either of these policies be defined as murder? The flip flop around the blood issue/organ transplant issue could never have been determined by inspiration since scripture doesn't change and every single person who initiated the doctrine held the highest office therefore, if one is inspired they should all have been inspired to understand the scripture in the same way at the same time. Anyway, just some early morning thoughts..........sammieswife.