Judge Makes Ruling About Blood for Baby

[Hallett 82]

This is the current news headline here in Adelaide Australia.

A 4yo baby of a local Brother & Sister has been diagnosed with Luekemia and the doctor went to court to get permission for a blood transusion.

LINK TO NEWS ITEM

DOCTORS made an urgent plea to the Supreme Court yesterday to help save the life of a Jehovah's Witness girl dying of leukaemia.

Justice Richard White ordered the girl, 4, receive treatment, including a blood transfusion to which her parents had objected on religious grounds.

Paediatric oncologist Dr Petra Ritchie, right, said without treatment the girl "will die . . . I would say in weeks".

Dr Ritchie said that the girl, who was diagnosed with cancer of the blood and bone marrow on Monday, had a 90 per cent chance of survival if she received treatment immediately.

Doctors had this week advised she needed a potentially life-saving blood transfusion but her parents objected on religious grounds.

The parents' opposition prompted the hospital to petition the court saying that, without treatment, the girl would die in a matter of weeks.

In emotional scenes yesterday, the girls' father wept as he spoke of his love for his daughter.

But he explained that his family's faith prohibited blood transfusions. "We adhere to strict Bible principles and one of those is to abstain from blood," he said.

"We want the best possible treatment for (her) and the hospital are doing a great job. The only thing we don't consent to is the issue of blood."

The hearing came almost two years after the court made a legal-first ruling to save a boy, 10.

Yesterday Justice White - who also heard the boy's case - said that treatment was in the girl's best interests.

"Without a blood transfusion, there is a very high prospect that (she) will die," he said.

The father told the court that his daughter's illness became known to them about six weeks ago when she reported a sore leg and recorded a temperature.

However, doctors told the family it was a virus and it was not until they took her to hospital on Monday that a diagnosis of leukaemia was formed.

She said the girl was at risk of organ damage to her heart, brain and kidney. Even if the girl survived the leukaemia without a blood transfusion, Dr Ritchie said she could suffer learning difficulties and subtle cognitive and kidney damage.

Todd Golding, for the Woman's and Children's Health Network Inc, said Justice White should interpret the law the way he did in the 2010 case.

"The court is to act in what are the best interests of the child.

"The situation factually, as is clear from the evidence, (the girl) has leukaemia from which she will almost certainly die.

"It is in the submission of the plaintiff that she receive a blood transfusion as soon as possible," he said.

Ken Gluche, for the girl's parents, said his clients "deeply love their child".

"It's not like they are acting with callous disregard for her wellbeing or her future," he said.

"Clearly it's their genuine beliefs, it's something that they've been convinced to accept by anyone else, by the church or other believers."

Robert Croser, for the child, said he had not formally interviewed his client because of her inability to appropriately instruct him. "Nobody on either side of the case wants (the girl) to die," he said.

"Neither (the father) nor his wife and the wider Jehovah's Witness church would treat (the girl) any differently if the court orders she have the blood transfusion."

Justice White handed down his decision immediately.

"I'm satisfied that this is a matter that should be determined urgently because (the girl) suffers from leukaemia and that requires urgent treatment," he said. "I'm satisfied that it is appropriate and indeed necessary for (the girl) to receive a blood transfusion.

"I'm satisfied that there are no alternatives to the provision of a blood transfusion. I'm satisfied that it's in (the girl's) best interest to received the blood transfusion despite her parents' objections.

"Without a blood transfusion there's a very high prospect (the girl) will die and that the provision of a blood transfusion would reduce that prospect markedly," he said.

[Blueyedchanel]

A similar story to this just happened here in Houston, TX in the past month. The court ruled against the parents.

[inge]

This is my story, if you care to read about it. It is long, however, but shows that when doctors say the child will die that is not always so.

In 1961 I had my second son and immediately after his birth my husband and I were informed that the baby had a blood problem and that a complete exchange transfusion was needed to save his life. Of course, we refused and explained our stand to everyone involved at the hospital. The elders gave their help and support, but nothing helped. The pressure was unbearable. They transferred me into a private room and interrogated me practically day and night. It was all-out psychological assault.

Without our knowledge, the Children's Aid Society took the matter to court, and the baby was made a ward of the Children's Aid Society of Ontario. We were only told that now the baby did no longer belong to us but belonged to the state, and that a transfusion was ordered. They also told me that the baby's blood was very unusual, they could not find a perfect match, but they would use the closest blood to match his own. (Can anyone imagine the nerve of these people?)

Glen Howe, the society's lawyer, came to Niagara Falls from Toronto immediately to speak for us, but was given no opportunity to do so. In the mean time I managed to sign myself and the baby out of the local hospital promising to take him to the famous Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto. The Children's Aid Society came in one door to take the baby and transfuse him, and I went out of another door at the same time.

As Glen How was leaving the hospital he overheard two nurses discussing the case. One nurse said to the other: “If she takes the baby to Sick Kids, that is fine. We will catch her there.” That was enough for him. He went to work at once. My husband and I met with Glen Howe and the elders somewhere in the country. We were told to take the child out of the province of Ontario to keep him save from the Children's Aid society of Ontario. Montreal in the province of Quebec was the place we were to take our two-day-old son.

In the mean time the police were looking for us, making it necessary to avoid all major highways to Montreal. Another brother drove us in his car because they were looking for our car. Riding in the back seat for hours I looked at the baby and cried and prayed. The colour of his skin was a dark orange. I was scared.

When we arrived in Montreal the brothers were waiting for us. A local witness family took us in and looked after our needs. (Talk about our brotherhood, there is nothing like it). Under the elder’s loving direction we were able to have the baby admitted to a Montreal hospital where sympathetic doctors promised to take care of him without blood. They did. In a matter of days the baby was improving, and when he was seven days old I could take him home.

Not quite: The baby did not belong to us for a month. He belonged to the state. I could not go home. I had to stay for a month until their custody expired. The friends took good care of me and the baby all that time.

Back in Niagara Falls the witch-hunt continued. My parents took care of my two-year-old son. He now became a target of the Children's Aid Society. They wanted to take him away, charging that I had abandoned him, that I was not fit to be a mother. My mother who was a regular pioneer at the time had to go into hiding with the child to prevent the Children's Aid from taking him away from her. She spent some time with him in the country at a brother's farm.

Finally, when things were save, I returned to Niagara Falls with the baby. The month was over, he again belonged to us. Strangely enough, the Children's Aid Society never contacted us to see how the baby was doing. They were not interested in him at all. They only wanted their own

way. The only comment from all the people involved came from one of the physicians. He said to me: "You are not out of the woods yet. He most likely suffered brain damage."

This happened many years ago. He grew up normal and healthy without any trace of brain damage.

When he was in his teens my son and I had the privilege to take part in a CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) documentary on Jehovah's Witnesses and their stand on blood. It was produces by the CBC and the W.T. Society. I also was able to make a written submission to the "Standing Committee on Social Developments" at Queens Park in Toronto. The Provincial Government was at that time considering changes to the Child Welfare Act to take into account the stand of Jehovah's Witnesses in the matter of blood.

At the time I really felt Jehovah’s spirit operating on my family and the brothers and sisters involved in this case. It was an incredible experience that strengthened my faith in and my love for Jehovah. I really thought the baby was going to die and I could see myself being in prison for murder. I fully understand the feelings of Abraham when he said that he received his beloved son back from the dead. That is exactly the way I felt when I had him back safe and sound in my arms.

Inge

Niagara Falls, Canada

[LindaD]

I went through this very same issue 36 years ago, but my daughter was a premie of less than 2 pounds and she was sick because a nurse brought the flu into the NICU. Judges were the same then and will remain the same until the end of this system, more than likely. What the doctors never mention are the possible effects of being given a blood transfusion, such as death. My daughter didn't die, but her brain capillaries broke and suddenly she was facing hydrocephalus (water on the brain), which required surgeries (2 within the first week after), which resulted in cerebral palsy (but not so severe she had to be in a wheelchair), autism, severe learning disabilities, personality disorders, and extreme anger. Yet, at the age of 18, she refused blood transfusions and she isn't even a Witness. The judges and court appointed representatives, as well as the doctors, try to play the role of arbiter of our children's lives, yet they know virtually nothing when compared to Jehovah.

Sometimes I go for years not thinking about what happened to my entire family because of one judge's 'compassion', but all it takes is one article like this to realize again that there is no justice or even sense without Jehovah's guidance. I am so happy that I know the truth, and I am sad that so many parents still have to deal with antiquated, satanic thinking about our children.

[Hallett 82]

What an experience Inge.

I am amazed that doctors and judges cannot see the hypocrisy of such actions. Life must be saved at all cost. Even if one is not dying!.

They couch their language as urgent or death is imminent. It might be, but look at what the reported sentences say . .

Paediatric oncologist Dr Petra Ritchie, right, said without treatment the girl "will die . . . I would say in weeks".

Dr Ritchie said that the girl, who was diagnosed with cancer of the blood and bone marrow on Monday, had a 90 per cent chance of survival if she received treatment immediately.

Doctors had this week advised she needed a potentially life-saving blood transfusion but her parents objected on religious grounds.

The parents' opposition prompted the hospital to petition the court saying that, without treatment, the girl would die in a matter of weeks

It reads to me like they want blood transfusion and all treatment will halt if they cannot use it. Are other treatments available?. I would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this issue without transfusion.

Of course she will die without treatment . . but is transfusion the only treatment?. . .they carefully don't say.

I would be more impressed if I saw that same Judge at the airport on the day a battalion of our healthy young men are being sent to Afghanistan, Iraq or any war zone and decree that it is immoral to send them to die. They need their lives to be respected as much as that 4 year old girl. One mans 'religion' is held more important than that of others.

The sentence in the article where they say . . "it's their genuine beliefs, it's something that they've been convinced to accept by anyone else, by the church or other believers."

He cannot concieve of mature, caring adults are making their own decision . . they word it as if the parents have been pressured into this by outside sources. Absolute rubbish.

[GoldAussieGirl]

I read this in todays sunday mail Jan. Its so sad. I really dont know what else to say other than Jehovah is watching. The poor parents and little girl. Where are their rights as parents?

[BlueRose]

And why didn't the lawyer for the family instruct the court about the alternatives? It seems like he didn't bring that out.

[BlueRose]

A similar story to this just happened here in Houston, TX in the past month. The court ruled against the parents.

How can this be, when more and more information is coming out---from the medical community? Hospitals are gearing up for non-blood treatments, sometimes having special wings for such treatment! How can this be ignored? Doctors are now saying that transfusions should not be given! How is this slipping through the cracks?

[BlueRose]

Inge, your story is heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. What an experience! Jehovah has blessed and is blessing you and your family.

[Hallett 82]

And why didn't the lawyer for the family instruct the court about the alternatives? It seems like he didn't bring that out.

I posted this news and was hoping somebody here might have had recent experience with the subject to share.

As many medical emergencies arise, hard choices have to be made by everyone involved. Patient makes doc aware of current emergency and all underlying details (eg: diabetes, allergies, medicines and pre existing disorders) so Dr can plan his help around them. Patient weighs medical choices they have against their priorities & preferences.

The doctor in this case keeps saying the girl will die if treatment is withheld. But is the only treatment a transfusion? Is there a second choice? Doctors might not like to step back to what they see as a lesser choice, but if the girl is allergic to some medicines, that is something they have to consider anyway. Sometimes the first preference of treatment is not viable in certain cases.

Nobody Questions a Doc who says a certain treatment is outside his skill level or the hospitals ability to provide. That is often a real consideration.

We will need to wait and hear from the family concerned and pray for them in the meantime.

[Rosalie4u]

All this brings memories back of my mom from 1967 (she was 37 then) when they told her she would die without blood (she absolutely refused) - she finally passed 2 months ago (age of 81). Boy were they proved wrong then, and they continue to be proved wrong over and over again. Unfortunately they don't want the judges to know that! My mom proved the doctors wrong again about 2 years ago. Do they ever come back to you and say "you were right"? No.

It hurts to know what they do force on people - not just the witnesses.

[tucker]

When my daughter gave birth, the doctor left a piece of placenta inside her. She was rushed to the e.r. twice before the doctor found the problem. By then, they were sure she would die. Her sister or I had to stay with her so her unbelieving husband couldn't authorize a transfusion. He didn't want to be responsible for raising the three older children. Friday evening the doctor left the hospital telling my daughter that she had enjoyed knowing her. Monday morning, the doctor walked into her room, amazed that she was still alive. She is 47 now.

[pnutts]

I believe I heard bro Howe give that experience at a convention at Woodbine circa 1970 - a special addition to our 5 day convention- in the evening, no less- ( yes we had evening talks back then ).

Now for the situation in OZ. The whole state of Western Australia has implemented Patient Blood Management -to be completely in place as of this year 2012-however it is still in the process of diseminating this to doctors, nurses, lawyers, judges, etc.

Other OZ states are following suit.

For children - go to noblood dot org ( no longer just run by witnesses ) and follow sponsor links of Rainbow Babies...Hospital and Nationwide Childrens Hospital and see what they say about who are most vulnerable to transfused blood.

2 years ago the World Health Organization ( WHO ) passed a resolution requiring all nations to implement a PBM program-nationwide.

Although a PBM is not necessarily transfusion-free ( bloodless ) - it is to limit access to donor blood ( banked blood )

Canada is slow to impliment this although it has started as of this spring-I know B.C. has recently added online teaching for medical staff in this field. The funny thing is-some of the best and oldest studies used showing harm from blood-are from Canada -and one study ABLE is set to be complete next April-2013.

I was given permission by CaucusNJ to upload their news commentary The Blood Option on YouTube -under my moniker there pnutts27. You have choice of 2 or 4 parts ( had trouble with YouTube accepting uploads )

It is a very well presented discussion of Bloodless Medicine with Dr. Shander, Dr. Goodnough - same doctors in our videos, Dr. Friedman and bro. Solomon.

Listen Very closely to some of the answers- esp Dr. Goodnough in connection with massive blood loss- he used to be fully for transfusions and still is the transfusion Chief-now at Stanford - however he is now a strong advocate of bloodless medicine. California has a law required written consent for transfusions - although most doctors sort of gloss over it-but that is changing.

[Hallett 82]

This reminds me of a news story years ago where a 6 year old girl died at the scene of a car crash. Her family were JWs and it was reported that her father had refused a "life saving blood transfusion" and that is why she died.

The truth is that a transfusion is never given roadside and it was neither offered nor refused.

too many journalists live by the saying ' never let the truth get in the way of a good story' .

[retroHelen]

I agree with you Jan. Leukeamia is not treated with only a blood transfusion. If the bone marrow keeps making cancerous cells, then the cancer has to be treated according to this site: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer_leukemia.html# with chemotherapy or radiotherapy or bone marrow transplant to slow it into remission or stop it.

http://www.noblood.org/answers/112/what-is-latest-help-for-aml-leukemia (some choices here may be a matter of conscience or not a choice for some).

The blood transfusion is to treat the symptom of leukaemia which is anaemia, which can starve the brain of oxygen and damage the organs. There are alternatives to aid the balance of a blood count without a blood transfusion, but the cancer must be slowed or stopped as well, a blood transfusion or alternative alone will not do it.

Those who get only a blood transfusion would need continuous transfusions, with all the disease/mismatch/rogue protein/depleting nutrients/dying cells risks on a compromised immune system and it will only prolong the agony of the cancer.Years ago, when chemotherapy and radiation treatment were not as successful, this was the only choice, and I knew of non-JW people and JW children with leukaemia who made a 'ward of court' and were transfused with strange blood until they died and the transfusions did only prolong the suffering.

I cannot see why the hospital could not at least first have tried to treat the anaemia with alternatives that are already known. This does not seem to have been discussed.I have read of people with all the wrong white and red cell counts caused by leukaemia, with the important help of their doctor/nutritionist (or you will be misled by a myriad of dangerous unauthorised quacks) changing their diet, adding supplements and extra oxygen and they did see some slow blood count improvement - along with treating the disease not just to symptoms. There is something in the British Medical Journal for doctors - Amino acid balance diets for leukaemia and other similar diets under medical supervison, but it only comes up in foreign languages online when I tried to link it.Sad fact is that many British doctors have no training in supervising nutrition, I don't know if this is the same elsewhere. Our own hospital management is one of a few considering saving hospitals money by paying off all the staff that cook and just putting microwaves on wards and freezers of frozen bagged foods, which is causing outcry among the few dieticians there are left in this country.

As usual, there's not enough information given in the news article as to the blood count or seriousness of the child's state, as to what the child could respond to and how far the cancer has gone.

[tucker]

Of course, our objection to blood is because Jehovah forbids it, but anyone who thinks blood is "safe" now has no idea how some of the blood is collected.I have 2 relatives who regularly donate blood. One is a meth addict and the other is an active homosexual. The meth addict is sometimes refused because his blood pressure is too high. The other, and his friends, if asked, deny their orientation. They are seldom asked. That news headline earlier this week was interesting also, the one that said scientists have discovered 2 new blood types. The more we learn about blood (medically) the more thinking people will avoid transfusions. Earlier today I was discussing with a young relative the restrictive/freedom within Jehovah's organization. Jehovah frees us from a vast myriad of problems that this world continues to suffer often because they bring problems upon themselves by their insistence in making their own rules. Jehovah's organization has brought about a new respect for our individual rights, but far too many doctors still cling to the old belief that the doctor is god and is always to be obeyed without question. Another injustice that we will be freed from in the new world.

[onzomanie]

this is 2012 and these hospitals and judges are still not respecting our religious rights and freedoms... shame!!!!!!!!!!! and most of the times these fears are based on assumptions shame on them.prayers for the the family so that they continue to maintain their resolve may jah be their strength and power .it is shameful to note that most of these hospital and court people claim to be christians and for this plastic Christianity Jehovah will destroy this system for failure to glorify his name.

[onzomanie]

@blue rose(Pam) your post here has got me thinking on the need to have our own hospitals as Jehovah`s witnesses these issues are tiring to us indeed.