EXTRACTS FROM OPINION, DATED JANUARY 30, 2023:
“[Jehovah’s Witness] patients are well informed about their pathology and desired options …
Their desire not to receive blood transfusions can in no way be regarded as a sectarian aberration. Indeed, their belief does not seem to me to be a sectarian aberration, but a religion in its own right which like any religion has its specific rituals and rules … they are generally open to discussion and are not obtuse, so that in extreme cases, for example, the issue of blood transfusion can be raised in cases of vital risk, and while respecting their wishes, acceptable solutions can be found.”
“Our experience in the care of Jehovah’s Witnesses has indeed helped us in the care of our other non-Witness patients. We have to face the facts and admit that, since the need to save red blood cells requires us to practice the most rigorous hemostasis, this has enabled us to develop more subtle techniques for doing so, whether in terms of the management of pre-, per- and post- operative care, anaesthesia techniques, dissection, etc. (C.F. HAS recommendations). In some cases, saving red blood cells can reduce the risk of sepsis, tumour recurrence, and so on, as well as saving the lives of other patients (young polytrauma victims, transplant patients, …).
The nature of our relationship with HLCs can be defined as simple, friendly, and convivial, with that extra touch of benevolence and peace that is not necessarily found in all religions, and in all patients regardless of religion.
… when they call us in an emergency, their knowledge of medicine is such that diagnosis and treatment are facilitated. Lastly, in the event of difficulties, our medical exchanges with HLC members enable us to move forward in the management of a haemorrhage without them exerting any constraint or pressure on us or their patients.”
“… I must admit that their peaceful behavior calms and simplifies care, on the one hand; on the other, I insist on the fact that the obligation to have less bleeding has enabled us to improve and refine our surgical techniques.” (Original in French.)