Medical Treatment for Children of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Essay Example

Jehovah’s Witness strongly oppose the idea of blood transfusion, consent of the Watchtower and the Bible society. This belief follows a theological authority in the Old Testament law in Leviticus; 17: 10 which states that God forbids the consumption of blood. Following this notion, Jehovah’s witnesses strongly oppose the transfer of major blood components such as White Blood Cell, Red Blood Cells, Platelets and Plasma. However, some members of Jehovah’s Witness consent to accepting certain blood fractions such as the blood clotting factor and albumin (Phil Wilson, 2008).

Children of Jehovah’s Witness are taught to follow their parents religion and the parents may advice them not to accept a blood transfusion. This affects the decisions regarding transfusion for a JW’s child.

The decision to whether accept a blood transfusion for children entirely rely on the states laws. Normally, children below the age of 18 years are considered minors. However, the court may determine if a minor is “mature” in that they can make their own decisions regarding their health care. However, the decision to accept a blood transfusion is not placed on their parents or guardians, rather to the physicians for the best interest of the child.

“Is it not true that the vast majority of cases physicians have confronted, or likely will, can be managed without blood? What we studied and know best has to do with medical problems, yet patients are human beings whose individual values and goals cannot be ignored. They know best about their own priorities, their own morals and conscience, which give life meaning for them” (Dixon, 2006). When a patient turns out to be a Jehovah’s Witness, ethics and understanding comes into the picture. Jehovah’s Witnesses comprehend life as God’s contribution to human beings, which is represented by blood, and, needless to say, everyone has to respect their right for such a belief.

References

Phil, Wilson. (2008). Jehovah’s Witness Children: When religion and the law collide. Retrieved http://www.health.bcu.ac.uk/webmodules/gm607D/Presentations%20-%20Handouts/Wilson%20JW.pdf (Accessed 22 September 2009).

Lowell Dixon, J. (2006). Blood: Whose Choice and Whose conscience?. Retrieved http://www.watchtower.org/e/hb/article_07.htm (Accessed on 22 September 2009).