Bioethics of the refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses: Part 1. Should bioethical deliberation consider dissidents' views?
- PMID: 9752623
- PMCID: PMC1377670
- DOI: 10.1136/jme.24.4.223
Bioethics of the refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses: Part 1. Should bioethical deliberation consider dissidents' views?
Erratum in
- J Med Ethics 1998 Dec;24(6):375
Abstract
Jehovah's Witnesses' (JWs) refusal of blood transfusions has recently gained support in the medical community because of the growing popularity of "no-blood" treatment. Many physicians, particularly so-called "sympathetic doctors", are establishing a close relationship with this religious organization. On the other hand, it is little known that this blood doctrine is being strongly criticized by reform-minded current and former JWs who have expressed conscientious dissent from the organization. Their arguments reveal religious practices that conflict with many physicians' moral standards. They also suggest that a certain segment of "regular" or orthodox JWs may have different attitudes towards the blood doctrine. The author considers these viewpoints and argues that there are ethical flaws in the blood doctrine, and that the medical community should reconsider its supportive position. The usual physician assumption that JWs are acting autonomously and uniformly in refusing blood is seriously questioned.
Comment in
-
Why some Jehovah's Witnesses accept blood and conscientiously reject official Watchtower Society blood policy.J Med Ethics. 2000 Oct;26(5):375-80. doi: 10.1136/jme.26.5.375. J Med Ethics. 2000. PMID: 11055042 Free PMC article.
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