![]() ![]() Although bloodless techniques for high-risk surgeries are under development, care for premature infants at 23 weeks’ gestation necessitates red cell transfusions. Even though Jehovahs Witnesses seek medical or surgical treatment like others who dont practice this belief, the majority of practicing Jehovahs Witnesses do. If the goal is to prolong life, the standard of care for a premature infant is for a doctor to obtain a court order to override the beliefs and wishes of Jehovah’s Witness parents and transfuse blood products as medically indicated. ![]() Recently, Russia banned Jehovah's Witnesses and this issue was one of the reasons stated for their doing so. The infant unfortunately died despite all efforts.ĬONCLUSIONS: Currently, it is nearly impossible to honor the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses to provide lifesaving treatments without blood transfusions for infants born at the border of viability. What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe about medical help Jehovah 's Witnesses hold the controversial view of rejecting blood transfusions, even in life or death situations. The clinical team obtained a court order to transfuse the infant. when his organs failed, a situation that transfusion might well have averted. The parents wanted full life-support, except for blood transfusions, to be given. One older Jehovah’s Witness who underwent surgery at Englewood had severe anemia and died in the I.C.U. In this case, if parents and healthcare professionals disagree on the best interests of the child, the medical team should obtain a court order from the state to intervene.ĬASE REPORT: We present the case of an infant born at 23 weeks’ gestation to parents who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Therefore, an ethical dilemma exists when a baby is born on the edge of viability to parents that are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that life is sacred and want lifesaving interventions except for blood transfusions. With the exception of this treatment modality, Jehovahs Witnesses are generally willing to accept medical treatment. Generally speaking, the decision to forgo life support is acceptable. Jehovahs Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. BACKGROUND: Infants born at 23 weeks’ gestation have a poor prognosis and require intensive care, including blood transfusions, to survive.
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