standfirm:
People who become JWs do so with the full knowledge that we do not accept blood transfusions, and of the teaching on DF/DA persons. When they refuse blood they do so with full knowledge of whatever possibility of harm there may be in doing so. No one forced them to become JWs.
So what about minors being babtized ? Do you really think a 12 year old, trying to please mum and dad, trusting whatever they say, can understand all the implications of the blood issue for example ?
Even adults, in order to make a real free decision, would you not agree, one has to be able to carefully weigh all arguments in such a serious matter ?
I can tell you, in my congo usually I got the parts on the program about blood, because it was thought, I had a good grasp of this rather complicated issue, and I believed it too. Well, after reading many arguments here and elsewhere about blood, I can honestly say, I knew nothing. The society only presents information, that is in line with their doctrine, while on the same time discouraging strongly to look elsewhere. People should not make an informed decsion, rather this is manipulation. Embarrassing for Gods true people, inmho !!
Further, usually what happens in an operating room can be kept confidential. And no one is forced to fill out a DPA. Some JWs do not have theirs filled out (I suspect mostly because of laziness). So a JW who really wants can accept blood without DAing themselves.
As Morbidzbaby mentioned, its rather hard to keep things private, but thats not the issue here anyway. I can keep fornication private, if I really make it smart. The point is, when it is known to the elders, a JC will be set up.
Finally, 'refusing blood' does not equal death. Nearly every procedure can be done and has been done with no blood transfusions.
True, and also true that transfusions are often used too easily and fast by some medical staff, the same as operations are done too quick or antibiotics are prescribed, when its not needed. But its not the business of any religion to interfere with medical treatment of a patient. And to my surprise a few years ago, I was told by an HLC member, that there still are situations, were the question is, death or blood. It was one of the enlightneing moments for me to took this issue serious and make research somewhere else. Before JW are usually made to believe, there is anyway always an alternative treatment, that is even much better than any blood transfusion.