Advance Directives and the JW Patient

by Lee Elder 14 Replies latest watchtower medical

  • tim3l0rd
    tim3l0rd
    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.

    As far as I know, that depends on the state. Some states still recognize the right of the parents to choose. While that can be overridden by a court order, they have to obtain that first in some states before they can take action. In my state, the doctors have a standing order to do what's necessary and they have the backing of the court so they don't have to wait for a court order.

    The issue with talking to the patient privately is that even if the JW patient wants blood he still has to worry whether or not someone might see the bag of blood hanging there. It's not like it can be hidden. So even if the doctor talks to the patient privately, the JW patient is still under coercion.

  • Marvin Shilmer
    Marvin Shilmer
    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.

    Indeed!

    In addition there is the problem of hopelessly incomplete Watchtower documents which do not address some rather important "fractions" that are accepted under its ridiculous blood taboo. One important component that JWs are free to accept is called cryo-poor plasma (also known as cryosupernatant). Nowhere does Watchtower speak to this blood product though it knows it has saved the life of many a JW.

    For readers who want to know more about this subject see: Over 96% Accept 99%!

    ___

  • blondie
    blondie
    Thanks Lee for your clear comments. What is the link of ajwrb?
  • Lee Elder
  • StephaneLaliberte
    StephaneLaliberte

    When my wife gave birth, the doctor asked if she could give transfusion to the baby despite us being JWs. I answered: We officially don't agree, but we won't fight you if you do. We know you can simply take guardianship of our kid and there is absolutely nothing we can do against that. So, if you need to give blood, we won't resist at all.

    Now, if something were to happen to any body in my family, i'd say: Fill 'em up!

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