Operation was successful only minor but some interesting information was revealed to me from the surgeon.l requested that they treat me as if l was a jehovahs witness with regards to blood transfusions.The doctor said well that varies from jw to jw and l asked what do you mean?His response was that in his dealings with jw's was that approx half of witnesses will accept a blood transfusion in life threatening circumstances and sign a form saying so.l was blown away when he told me this.l was curious if others in here have heard similar storys.lt seems to me that many witnesses have weakened their stance on this controversial subject.
Had a operation today and was asked about blood transfusions.
by atomant 20 Replies latest watchtower medical
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sir82
I have no first hand knowledge of this, but I've heard it enough times from enough reputable sources that I accept it.
I suspect that probably well over 90% of JWs have done something, or at least would be willing to do something, that would get them disfellowshipped if they were observed by 2+ witnesses or decided to confess for some reason.
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Bill Covert
I went in for a minor thying, when asked about blood I said there was no problem as I was DFed . The doctor of whom I knew [I provided a event where his two daughters played fiddles] I told him I was a former JW and he said "me too". -
Half banana
A close friend of mine who is a JW in name only, accepted a blood transfusion at night with the agreement of the doctors who knew that to be seen to be having a transfusion would cause trouble.
It seems that the doctors are fully aware, as my friend told me, that a majority of JWs will take a transfusion if life is at stake.
This tends toward the position that the JW religion is one of appearances and posturing...inside it is hollow.
..............How long will it be before the GB make a note of the unfaithful blood users in the ranks?
What a pointless and dangerous cult it is.
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Heaven
Didn't 'the Society' make blood transfusions a conscience matter a few years back, like when they came out with "it's ok to take 'blood fractions' " doctrine?
If so, that would explain why there is a discrepancy among JWs. Many of the older JWs, such as my Father, ignored this and held steadfast to the 'blood is forbidden' ideal. Younger JWs don't seem to be all that enthusiastic anymore, particularly if it means they'll die.
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TheListener
As far as I know it's only a conscience matter in that you can take it and they probably won't disfellowship you - but by taking the blood you disassociate yourself which saves them the time and trouble of having a judicial committee. It's all semantics with the Dubisees (dub + Pharisees).
Atomant, would you really have let yourself die to avoid a blood transfusion or did you just want the doctor to be extra careful during the surgery?
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atomant
l signed a form stating that in a life threatening situation l would take blood.And yes your right doctors do take extra care to be careful when they know. -
OrphanCrow
TheListener: did you just want the doctor to be extra careful during the surgery?
atomat: And yes your right doctors do take extra care to be careful when they know.Please, if you don't mind, explain these statements.
I hear these type of statements over and over again - from WT people and JWs.
Please back your statements up with more than just the propaganda you have been fed.
These statements are very misleading and are incredibly insulting to doctors everywhere who do not belong to the WT's bloodless cult.
Where did you get these ideas from?? Are they justified with evidence, or do your attitudes and beliefs stem from the WT propaganda that promotes their brand of medicine (alternative...osteopathic and chiro, etc...) and challenges the AMA (allopathic) doctors whenever they can?
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DesirousOfChange
I hear these type of statements over and over again - from WT people and JWs.Please back your statements up with more than just the propaganda you have been fed.
I'm afraid that there is some truth to it. Not that doctors are reckless with other non-JW patients, but they know they must be overly-cautious with a patient that will not accept a transfusion in an emergency situation. Blood transfusion is a back-up safety valve not only if there is a "mistake" but if there is a complication, such as an unexpected hemorrhage. (There is a post here today about a jury award of $100K to the family of a JW woman that died refusing a blood transfusion. I believe this is a death that resulted due to a hemorrhage after childbirth.)
My wife had recent surgery and the "JW" was till on her medical records and the surgeon stated this very thing -- you religious beliefs about transfusion require me to make decisions that may not necessarily be the best option, but it is the best option (less risk of bleeding) because of your refusal to accept a transfusion.
A common example of this is a Cardiac Catherization. Access through the groin allows many more options if blockage is discovered, but access via the wrist is "safer". If the patient hemorrhages in the groin area, there can be extreme blood loss in the hip tissue before it is discovered. Not so with the wrist, but the smaller vessels in the wrist limit what procedures can be performed on many occasions.
In my wife's situation, she said "WAS a JW" is the key issue here -- particularly "WAS", which means I'm not willing to stake my life on it at this point in time. But I'd prefer not to face the ramifications there would be for accepting a blood transfusion if that can be avoided at any cost other than risking my life. Our concern was if any JW on the hospital or doctor's staff would become aware of that statement. It seemed the doctor was well aware of the "ramifications". I'm assuming medical personnel who deal with this issue on a regular basis have access to prior experiences within the JW community.
As already stated here, it appears there are many JWs who have not been willing to "bet their life" on the doctrine.
Doc
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Diogenesister
I agree Orphan Crow - all doctors take the greatest care with regard to blood loss - hemorrhage is a risk in surgery but one to be avoided at all cost, they don't play fast and loose with your life and blood !
As regards to the OP I am so glad the doctors are aware of this variation in stance, check with the patient and don't just assume because they are a JW and have signed that offensive DPA card (previously called Advance medical directive or no blood form) with the HLC or elders breathing down their necks, doesnt mean they definately dont accept blood in an emergency. Also many cards are found to be out of date, unsigned or unwitnessed which doctors must also be aware of. ( see http://ajwrb.org/medicine/watchtower-no-blood-card )all good news!