Court Case: Costa Rican JW refuses blood test to get driver's license

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Religion is no Obstacle to Driver’s Blood Tests - Costa Rican Courts

$Religion is no Obstacle to Driver\'s Blood Tests - Costa Rican Courts$

Religion vs. The Law. This is a debate that has been raging in the courts of Costa Rica following the decision by Luis Carlos Nunez Herrera to contest an obligatory blood test required for renewing and applying for a driver’s license.

The 25 year old from Desamparados, San Jose argued that he should not be forced to take blood test as in conflicted with his religious beliefs. The Jehovah ’s Witness is quoted as saying that it violates his right to free worship as his religion forbids a test such as this one.

It is now a requirement by law in Costa Rica that anyone looking to renew or apply for a driver’s license must submit a blood test so that a note of their blood group can be included in the information on their license. The reasoning behind the decision is that with this information, emergency services can provide better assistance to victims of serious accidents and ultimately save lives.

In addition to blood type, licenses also request that drivers provide details on whether they would be willing to donate their organs should they die in an accident. The system is similar to that in several countries including U.S.A where in certain States drivers include their blood type and donor information on their license in case of the unfortunate event of an accident.

However Luis Carlos Nunez Herrera’s case brings new debate to the case and after his appeal was rejected by the Costa Rican Judicial system. Whether one should be exempt from laws due to their religious beliefs is not a new dilemma people face around the globe and indeed in is a touchy and controversial topic.

However in Costa Rica at least, the law has spoken has testified that in this case religion is not an acceptable reason to not forgoing the tests.

cognac

Thank-you for the info. It's very odd that he wouldn't take this blood test. It's not as if he was accepting a blood transfusion....

blondie

Since 1978 the WTS has said there is nothing wrong with a blood test. He is wrong to blame it on his religion, but it could be his personal choice.

*** w78 6/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***
Would it be wrong to submit to a blood test?
Based on their knowledge of the Scriptures, most of Jehovah’s Witnesses, if not all, do not object to such tests. The small quantity of blood removed from the body is not eaten or injected into someone else. It is merely examined or tested before being disposed of.—Deut. 15:23.

I wonder if he has done any research?

AudeSapere

As I read it, the purpose of the blood test is for blood typing - to more expeditiously administer blood if/when the need should arise.

Since the JW does not want blood, he will slow the process down by not providing blood type upfront.

Hmmm. Interesting.

I'm thinking that there is another reason that the law requires blood sampling (Identification/DNA documentation perhaps??) but medical assistance reason was sold to the public as the most palatable one.

-Aude.

cognac

As I read it, the purpose of the blood test is for blood typing - to more expeditiously administer blood if/when the need should arise.
Since the JW does not want blood, he will slow the process down by not providing blood type upfront.

Good point. I can definately see it as a conscience matter. However, for him to be quoted as saying, "his religion forbids a test such as this one" is inaccurate on his part to be saying. I find that part of it odd...

JimmyPage

Driving in Costa Rica is scary as hell. People make up their own rules there. Maybe this guy is smarter than he appears and just wants to stay off the road.

funkyderek

I fully support this man's right to make this decision. If his religious beliefs are more important to him than having a driving license, then he can find another way of getting around. He should be free to make this personal sacrifice to demonstrate his devotion to his faith, but obviously the law should not be bent to accommodate his delusions.

cognac

If his religious beliefs are more important to him than having a driving license, then he can find another way of getting around. He should be free to make this personal sacrifice to demonstrate his devotion to his faith, but obviously the law should not be bent to accommodate his delusions.

ITA!

cameo-d

Could this not be considered an invasion of privacy to make such a demand?

Do we not all have to give up some personal rights to freedom and privacy and be profiled in order to receive our "priveliges"?

The blood test does seem extreme. Since he would refuse blood anyway, in case of an accident, then why should they need to know his blood type if that is the reason for it?

Poztate

The blood test does seem extreme. Since he would refuse blood anyway, in case of an accident, then why should they need to know his blood type if that is the reason for it?

Maybe if he was unconscious they would automatically begin blood therapy without consent if they knew his type ?

Court Case: Costa Rican JW refuses blood test to get driver's license

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