Advance Directives are complex legal instruments and widely misunderstood by both physicians and their patients. With most Jehovah's Witnesses their is a significant level of misinformation, and in many cases coercion or undue influence exerted on the patient. Physicians need to be aware of this and always meet privately with the patient to educate them and then ascertain their true wishes. This is especially vital with younger JWs.
Advance Directives and the JW Patient
by Lee Elder 14 Replies latest watchtower medical
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John Aquila
I noticed that the blood card says something like, "Might accept some blood fractions"
So what is a jw patient to do if the doctor says; "Which fractions will you accept?"
That been a current question some JWs are asking. "Which fractions are OK besides Albumin which I believe is listed on the card.
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Simon
Medical staff may not always be aware that most JW kids are not just coerced into it but they are coached on how to make it appear to be their strongly held choice, even when it almost always isn't. -
John Aquila
I know here in the U.S. when JW kids need a transfusion, the government just takes over. And the parents give a sigh of relieve. So the kid here are covered. -
Lee Elder
John: The JW patient is given a document which lists the various blood fractions - including hemoglobin (the largest single component of blood besides water) and told to study the relevant scriptures and prayerfully make a conscientious choice. Difficult to do since the Bible never mentions the use of blood fractions or components and indeed never makes any reference to the modern practice of blood transfusion. Doctors are right to be concerned when an unconscious JW comes into the ER with a advance directive. Speaking with JW family members is seldom helpful. Every effort should be made to speak with the patient, making sure they have factual information and privacy. -
Crazyguy
Is hemoglobin actually used in the USA? I was told it's an experimental product like hemopure and not used here. -
Lee Elder
It just depends on the kid in the U.S. There are many baptized JWs under 13 years of age. The WT lawyers have successfully argued that they are "mature minors" and should be allowed to make their own decisions. I knew a 15 year old JW who had leukemia and refused blood. She asked me to be a pallbearer at her funeral. I was 16 at the time and it had a lasting impression on me. -
John Aquila
Lee Elder 23 minutes ago
The JW patient is given a document which lists the various blood fractions - including hemoglobin (the largest single component of blood besides water) and told to study the relevant scriptures and prayerfully make a conscientious choiceThis is unreal, I feel like this is a joking conversation, but it's not.
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Clambake
I my wife just had a baby and all she had in her file was a letter stating she was one of jehovah witness and she had strong views on blood. It didn't look like it was official.
Stupid thing is her doctor typed who happened to be a jw also. It wasn't signed either.
Luckily nothing happened. Still if something happened, I really wonder what would of happened.
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Lee Elder
Hemopure has a troubled history. Its still being worked on and used occasionally on JWs in the U.S. on a compassionate use basis. Its available in South Africa.