There's currently a controversy in Canada about a family of Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse blood transfusion for their early-born sextuplets, even though it might save their lives.

Any thoughts?


I'm usually quite liberal and I try to respect other people's religion, but in that case, I think that's another thing. When human lives are at stake, I believe we should always give the transfusions anyway, even to Jehovah's Witnesses. That's just too bad if they're unhappy: at least they'll be alive. The government should pass a law to make proper medical treatment compulsory for those who need it, even if it interferes with their religion.

I'd agree with that, the health service is their to treat people and save lives. so that what it has to do

I dunno, its tough. I can even understand the reasoning for not wanting to accept blood transfusions, but still, I'm not sure. I wonder what the legal matters are involving a doctor who doesn't administer life saving treatment because of a religious objection.

To an extent I believe it can be sustained, I mean, we have DNR orders and all, why not this (just throwing out an hypothetical) ?

Want to know the source of that belief?

Seems to be more closely related to abstaining from pagans and idol worshippers, and anything to do with them.

This is what infuriates me about religion.

What right do the parents have to enforce their beliefs on their children, especially if it is going to get in the way of saving their lives?

Parents should allow their children to question everything and make their own decisions about such matters when they grow up.

Exactly.
If they're in a situation where they personally need blood, let them refuse it. However, when it comes in the way of another life, they should have no say, even if it is their child.
Although the children are just going to end up growing up getting brainwashed by their psyco parents, so were I in their situation, I'd rather die.

Just out of curiosity, who signs a DNR order for a child?

DNRs are signed by the Doctor in all cases, I believe.

There needs to be witnesses, and things change depending on the situation.

For a child, I think the decision comes down to parental permission but there would be relevant discussion with the Medical team before any final decision is made.

Yes, a doctor probably signs all DNR agreements, but the patient that didn't want to be resuscitated is the person that has to ask for/initiate it. Delta was probably asking when a child is involved, does either or both parents sign off on those?