EXTRACTS FROM OPINION, DATED DECEMBER 23, 2023:
“[Jehovah’s Witness patients] are almost always very friendly and understanding and are open to the alternatives of an allogeneic blood transfusion, such as a cell saver, IV fluid before surgery, oral iron supplementation and the like. These patients are very well aware of the limitations of the treatment, but in the cases I have already experienced, an alternative has always been possible.
These patients, as a rule, are very pleasant and intelligent people, who very well realize what they are talking about. Each time before a surgery, they also bring a certificate in which they emphasize that they do not wish to receive blood at their specific request and as a result do not hold the doctor liable in case of problems.
Again, in my career of almost 25 years, I have been able to avoid the absolute necessity of allogeneic blood transfusion by using alternatives.
Finally, I would like to emphasize that the Jehovah’s Witnesses whom I have already had the pleasure of meeting were all very pleasant and competent people, who certainly do not stand behind their decision ill-considered.” (Original in Dutch.)