jehovahs witness

[gina32]

was it right or wrong to let the girl die for the sake of her religion after just having twins?

[LoftyLottie]

Did they have any option? I believe that Jehovahs Witnesses sign at hospitals to say they don't want any blood transfusions, even if it means they die. Surely anyone can refuse a transfusion, unless they are sectioned.

Terrible for her family, especially the babes of course, but I suppose it's a culture they are used to and accept. Very strange, because I would think in the eyes of any good God the babies welfare should be paramount.

[jiggy-gb]

All religions have ridiculous rules if followed, not just Jehovah's Witnesses. Were it not for the Catholic church's out of date ruling on contraception AIDS might not be spreading like wild fire through parts of Africa for a start.

It's everyone's right to follow a religion, it's their right to follow the stupid rules and as a result it's their own fault when things like this happen. It's a crying shame for the babies, I just hope that the rest of their family spare them from religion until they're old enough to make their own minds up.

[Gromit]

There are indications that JWs may in the near future modify their guidance on blood products.

http://www.ajwrb.org/basics/abstain.shtml

The scripture was written long before the life saving procedure of transfusion was known about and the interpretation is very strict. I hope a relaxation or total abandoment of this directive does arrive soon.

In answer to the question, anyone has a right to deny any medical treatment that they do not agree with. To leave two children motherless is a tragedy. Unfortunately, for some people their faith is paramount to everything, even life.

[LoftyLottie]

I doubt if they will Jiggy (spare the children their religious views). It makes me wonder though whether as they grow up and learn the facts, whether these two children will question their family's religious views - after all they have lost their mother and she could have been saved and amongst them.

You are so right - every religion has some ridiculous rules.

[LoftyLottie]

Your link is very interesting Gromit. Comes to late though for these twins, unfortunately.

[Reverandfunk]

Anyone stupid enough to live their lives by a 2000 year old fairytale gets no sympathy from me.

[Gromit]

"...whether these two children will question their family's religious view.'

They will be taught and believe that she is now in the Kingdom of Heaven. That this was ordained by god and if they pursue the path as written in the bible and interprted by JWs that they will eventually see her when they too go to heaven.

Sad deluded fools.

[LoftyLottie]

But it's the twins that need the sympathy Rev and they had no say in the matter.

[Reverandfunk]

Totally agree lofty as per most post on the other thread

[LoftyLottie]

To me it is natural to question rather than to follow blindly what I have been taught by family. I see it happening in my own children too. It makes me think that religious fanatics (which I see JW's being amongst others) pressurise and brainwash their children rather than guiding them and letting them develop naturally - this in the name of 'religion'!

[LoftyLottie]

What other thread Rev? There is a similar one to this in Religion and Spirituality, but I can find another one?

[sp1814]

Can I ask something slightly off topic - if the child of a Jehovah's Witness goes into hospital and needs a blood transfusion, can the hospital overrule the parents wishes to save the child's life?

[LoftyLottie]

I think so sp1814. I believe they have to obtain a court order. I am 90% sure, but I stand to be corrected.

[LoftyLottie]

Something to do with the 'Children's Act' and rights of children, I believe - rightly so!!

[China Doll]

Yes they can Splat.

[China Doll]

Here you go Lofty

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Q uestion477476.html

This story is all over the place today.

[Reverandfunk]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Q uestion477476.html

[libertie]

A few years ago my friends neighbours little boy was involved in a bad accident while he was on his bike and his parents (JW's) would not give permission for him to have a blood transfusion! The hospital very quickly made him a ward of court and proceeded with treatment for him that saved his life!

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks China.

[LoftyLottie]

.... and Rev!