EXTRACTS FROM OPINION, DATED JANUARY 12, 2023:
“I have been Head of Cardiac Surgery at the Strasbourg University Hospital since 2008. I have been practicing cardiac surgery for almost 30 years. Throughout my career, I have operated on patients of different religious faiths, and in particular Jehovah’s Witnesses. It should be noted from the outset that I am an atheist.
Dealing with Jehovahs Witnesses is no different from dealing with any other patient, regardless of their faith. I generally explain their condition and the solutions I can offer during the consultation. The exchanges are always cordial, and I find it easy to answer their questions while reassuring them about the benefits and risks of heart surgery.
The fact that Jehovah’s Witness patients refuse blood transfusions is not a problem in itself. Indeed, in our specialty, we have always tried to reduce or even avoid blood transfusions by modifying or adapting our procedures. …” (Original in French.)