This makes me very sad as well, but I'm wondering if something like the ProCrit administered to me as I underwent chemo to increase red blood cell production (and thus oxygenation of the blood) might not have been used in this situation. Of course, I have no idea. But it might have been something that could have been tried as soon as complications set in. As far as I know -- it doesn't have a blood component, but I could be wrong there.
This sort of scenario is why I stated in a recent post that not informing JW relatives about the deception within the organization could be dangerous to their health and lives.
Just tragic!
out
The elders were there to help make sure Margaret would die
by Gopher 26 Replies latest watchtower medical
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outnfree
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flipper
Those HLC committees are absolutely asinine vultures. Wonder how they will rationalize when the society lifts the blood rule to avoid lawsuits, I mean spread new light. mrs flipper
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Rabbit
"Suzanne...the plans they made put an end to her," as the James Taylor song goes.
Bobbi
Did any one ask if the doctors tried to find an alternative treatment for her? Were there any other options or are we all just focused on the sensationalism of yet another "Blood" case hitting the news.?There was a alternative treatment available when my my died needing blood. Hemoglobin may have saved her, but after the HLC elders and my uber-Dub siblings lied to my non-dub dad (who was trying to respect her beliefs) by telling him JW's could not take any blood products. (Hemoglobin wasn't allowed until a few years ago, til that change, ya' just had to die. Watchtower said so.)
Why lie ? 'Cause..."they were afraid he might not understand how one JW could accept something, that another's 'bible trained conscience' might not allow..." My mom died, so the wonderful "Unity" fallacy of all witnesses believing the same thing -- could be preserved.
My mom was murdered.
I hope I did not 'focus too much sensationalism' on my mom's death to suit you.
Rabbit
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sweet pea
Dubs will rationalise this away by holding her up as an example of one with an invredible strong faith, they will think to themselves that "a blood transfusion wouldn't have guaranteed her life and some will even remind themselves of people they have known who have died from complications involving a blood transfusion. They will ignore the relatives pain right now with the sound-bite "well our loving Jehovah will resurrect her in the new system. I know this is the case because I probably thought it myself one time.
Having children, with one baby needing an operation, I finally saw the light and knew there was no way that if he needed blood, and blood was the only thing that would save his life, I could not refuse him blood. My jdub best friend at the time assured me i wouldn't have to worry about this because the surgeon would give it to him anyway as he was a minor - convenient where UK witness parents are concerned....
During this discussion that very quickly became heated, another emotionally charged comment my 'friend' came up with was "in a few years' time, they won't even use blood anymore because they will have alternatives for every component". Classic. -
Bobbi
Rabbit, I was not saying every case was like that. My point was, we don't know all the facts. We know what was printed in the newspaper. It seems to me that when we see "Blood" and "Jehovah's Witness" in the same article in the paper every jumps all over it as validation for every single bad thing that ever happened to them. "The society is evil" "Jehovah's Witnesses must be stamped out".
I have read over and over again on these forums to open my mind, research the topics and form my own reasonings, not just regurgitate tired and worn party lines that have been force fed to me. I was trying to interject another point of view.
PS: I am very sorry for your loss and I understand the pain of losing a loved one needlessly.
Bobbi -
Paralipomenon
I see sadness on multiple fronts related to this story. The grandmother had her faith for years. Her daughter may not have agreed with it, but the choice was hers. She signed a medical alert form at the behest of the society and should have understood exactly what that meant. By signing the form she consented to allowing the HLC to help her affirm her beliefs to the hospital.
No daughter wants to see their parent die and she tried to override her mother's medical wishes. The stress of having her beliefs challenged by someone she loved could have had a factor on her already weakened heart. It sounds like there was alot of arguing and turmoil in her final moments rather than peaceful acceptance.
Even the coroner couldn't have said that a transfusion would have saved her life.
It is unknown if the grandmother requested the presence of the HLC, or if they showed up unannounced when they heard she was in the hospital. This crucial piece of information is missing from the article and would set the tone to if they were supporting her, or policing her.
In my personal opinion, I don't think the HLC should exist. Religion should stay out of the hospital unless requested by the patient to provide comfort. -
nvrgnbk
In my personal opinion, I don't think the HLC should exist. Religion should stay out of the hospital unless requested by the patient to provide comfort.
The very existence of the HLC is damning evidence that the refusal of blood transfusions and major blood components is not a personal decision for a Jehovah's Witness.