C.20. If a child is a Jehovah's Witness and has hemorrhagic shock, what would you do?
Answer:
Care of minors presents the greatest concern and often leads to legal action against the parents under child-neglect status. Such actions are questioned by Jehovah's Witnesses, who do seek good medical care for their children while claiming that consideration be given to their families' religious beliefs. Doctors can appeal to the court for permission to transfuse blood to children who are underage. In an emergency, blood can be given without consulting the court.
References
- Dasen KR, Niswander DG, Schlenker RE. Autologous and allogenic blood products for unanticipated massive blood loss in a Jehovah's Witness. Anesth Analg. 2000;90:553-555.
- Lawson T, Ralph C. Perioperative Jehovah's Witnesses: a review. Br J Anaesth. 2015;115:676-687.
- Waters JH, Potter PS. Cell salvage in the Jehovah's Witness patient. Anesth Analg. 2000;90:229-230.