Judge rules against Jehovah's Witness parents in blood transfusion case
A British High Court judge has ruled that the son of two devout Jehovah’s Witnesses can be given a blood transfusion despite religious objections from his parents.
Mr Justice Moylan was told by doctors that the “very young” boy had suffered severe burns in an accident and might need a blood transfusion.
The judge concluded that a blood transfusion would be in the youngster’s best interests in spite of the “deeply-held views” of his mother and father.
Detail of the decision has emerged in a written ruling by the judge following a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.
The judge said a health trust with responsibility for treating the boy had asked for a ruling.
He did not name anyone involved and did not give the child’s age.
Mr Justice Moylan said he hoped that the boy's parents would understand.
“I am extremely grateful to (the boy’s) father for so clearly and calmly explaining to me the position held by himself and (the boy’s) mother,” said the judge.
“I have no doubt at all that they love their son dearly. I also have no doubt that they object to the receipt by (their son) of a blood transfusion because of their devout beliefs. I hope they will understand why I have reached the decision which I have, governed as it is by (their son’s) welfare.”
