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Dec 6, 2023
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Astrid Yunapanta
Professor Matthew Gowans
Phil 2050
17 April 2023
When Religious Beliefs Conflict with Medical Ethics: Jehovah's Witnesses
Many people's life revolves on religion, which has a profound effect on their views and
choices, particularly those related to their health. What occurs, though, when religious principles
clash with accepted medical ethics? For decades, people and healthcare professionals have
debated this subject; it is still a complex and difficult one. Jehovah's Witnesses, a religious sect
whose beliefs forbid the use of blood transfusions, which is a frequent life-saving medical
procedure, have been at the forefront of this controversy. As a result, treating Jehovah's
Witnesses may provide ethical challenges for medical professionals, especially in urgent cases
where time is of the essence. This essay attempts to defend the denial of blood transfusions
because of Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs by analyzing a particular case study and describing the
complicated ethical issues that occur when religious convictions conflict with medical ethics.
While doctors must give their patients the best treatment possible, they must also respect their
autonomy and religious beliefs. Blood transfusions are not a permissible kind of medical care
according to biblical teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. To respect their right to self-
determination and engage in educated debates regarding alternative therapies, it is crucial to
comprehend and respect their views. This essay will argue that healthcare professionals have to
find a balance between the need for medical treatment and respect for religious views and that
Jehovah's Witnesses have the right to refuse blood transfusions based on their religious beliefs.
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A key component of moral healthcare practice is respecting the autonomy of the patient.
Tshimanga and Baloyi's case study delves into the ethical quandary that a medical team faces
when a pregnant Jehovah's Witness patient denies a vital blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. Despite concerns about the patient's and her unborn child's survival, the medical staff
must respect the patient's autonomy. Tshimanga and Baloyi underline the importance of
balancing respect for patient autonomy and religious beliefs with the ethical imperative to deliver
the best care possible. They emphasize the significance of finding strategies to accommodate
patients' religious views while yet providing the best treatment possible (26). One of the pillars
of medical ethics is the concept of respect for autonomy, which entails acknowledging a patient's
right to make healthcare decisions. Patients should have the freedom to decline medical
treatment even if it contradicts the advice of the healthcare professional, so long as they are of
good judgment and are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of their choice (Veracity 633).
It's important to understand that they are rejecting this treatment because of their religious
convictions. It is not appropriate for healthcare professionals' opinions or values to take
precedence over these patients' autonomy. Healthcare professionals' jobs involve offering
patients all the information and assistance they need, but the patient makes the final decision
(634). However, some would say that Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal to get a blood transfusion
violates their right to life. They may state that, especially in emergency cases, healthcare
professionals must put the patient's life above their own religious convictions. Unquestionably,
the right to life must be protected, but that right must be weighed against a patient's autonomy
and the freedom to make decisions about their own body.
Additionally, healthcare professionals have a responsibility to respect the cultural and
religious values of their patients. Refusal to do so may result in a breach of trust and cause
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people to completely avoid seeking medical attention. Instead, healthcare professionals should
have open and sincere discussions with their patients, explain out the advantages and
disadvantages of every treatment choice, and assist the patient in coming to a decision that is
consistent with their values and beliefs. Healthcare professionals must respect a patient's freedom
to make decisions about their own treatment, especially if those decisions conflict with the
provider's recommendations, even though they have a duty to prioritize the health and safety of
their patients. Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal of blood transfusions should be honored, and medical
professionals should give patients all the information and assistance they need to make a choice.
Even in the context of receiving medical care, religious freedom should be maintained as it is a
fundamental human right. A person's ability to practice their religion freely and without
impediment from the government or other people is protected by the right to freedom of religion.
This includes the freedom to decline to receive medical care, even though it may be required to
protect one's life. Healthcare professionals should respect their decision and offer alternatives to
blood-based therapy. However, if the patient's life is in risk, the healthcare provider may be
forced to limit their options. In certain circumstances, they will collaborate with the patient and
their family to develop a treatment plan that honors the patient's preferences while still keeping
them safe. It is critical to remember that the patient's right to choose their medical treatment is
critical, and healthcare practitioners must strike a balance between this right and the provision of
safe and effective care (Benson 118).
Despite their religious views, some would say that Jehovah's Witnesses should be forced to take
blood transfusions in order to secure their survival. This approach, however, disregards the value
of informed consent and individual autonomy in medical decision-making. It is not the
responsibility of healthcare professionals to impose their own values or views on patients; rather,
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patients have the right to make decisions about their own health based on their own values,
beliefs, and preferences.
Jehovah's Witnesses' denial of blood transfusion is motivated by their religious convictions, and
as long as they are of sound mind and fully aware of the possible outcomes of their choice, their
right to freedom of religion must be honored. Healthcare professionals have a duty to give
patients all the information and assistance they need to make educated decisions about their own
care. This contains details of various treatment alternatives as well as the potential consequences
of treatment refusal. The fundamental right to freedom of religion would be violated if Jehovah's
Witnesses were forced to receive blood transfusions in opposition to their religious views. Fortunately, medical professionals can explore alternative treatments that align with the
religious beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. For example, in the case of anemia, “patients can be
treated with erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells, or iron
supplements, which can help replenish iron stores needed for the formation of red blood cells”
(Ball and Winstead). Additionally, blood substitutes like perfluorocarbons or hemoglobin-based
oxygen carriers can be used to transport oxygen throughout the body, which is the primary
function of red blood cells (Ball and Winstead). While blood transfusions are commonly used to
treat a variety of medical disorders, they are not always the best or only option. Other options are
frequently just as effective as conventional treatments and may even have less dangers or adverse
effects. That’s why is essential to work with patients to build a complete treatment plan that
considers both their medical requirements and religious beliefs. In some situations, this may
include reaching an agreement that permits the patient to obtain the necessary medical treatment
while simultaneously respecting their religious views. According to Ariga, "by explaining to the
patient the details of the proposed medical treatment, obtaining his/her consent, and obtaining
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his/her cooperation for an alternative therapy or surgery, a physician can honor the patient's
religious beliefs while providing adequate medical treatment" (57). Subsequently, accomplishing
on a plan that allows the patient to receive necessary medical treatment while also respecting
their religious beliefs requires a collaborative effort between medical professionals and the
patient, with an emphasis on communication, mutual understanding, and shared decision-
making. Refusing blood transfusions is a very personal decision based on religious beliefs. While
healthcare providers may regard blood transfusions as a life-saving treatment, it is critical to note
that other treatments are available and can be just as successful. Medical professionals can give
the best possible care while satisfying their patients' requests by collaborating with them to build
a complete treatment plan that respects their religious views and medical needs. As evidence-
based medical care is critical, it is also critical to recognize and respect patients' cultural and
religious beliefs. Cultural competence in medical care delivery is critical to ensure that patients
receive the best possible care that is adapted to their specific requirements (French 252).
Healthcare providers have an obligation to respect their patients' opinions, even if those beliefs
differ from their own. Accepting religious ideas does not always imply sacrificing evidence-
based medical care. On the contrary, it entails identifying alternate solutions that satisfy the
patient's demands while honoring their beliefs. The refusal of Jehovah's Witnesses to have blood
transfusions is a good example of the significance of cultural competence in healthcare.
Healthcare practitioners must comprehend Jehovah's Witnesses' religious convictions and
collaborate with them to identify alternative therapies that do not contradict their beliefs. This
could include non-blood medical management or alternative blood products such as cell saver
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devices. By doing so, healthcare providers can guarantee that patients receive the best possible
care that respects their religious views while also meeting their specific requirements (254).
Lastly, some may argue that accommodating religious beliefs in the provision of medical
care could set a dangerous precedent, leading to other groups denying crucial treatments.
However, it is important to remember that cultural competence does not imply sacrificing
evidence-based medical care. It entails working with patients to find solutions that match their
specific needs, such as seeking alternative therapies that are compatible with their cultural or
religious views. Healthcare practitioners must strike a balance between providing evidence-based
medical care and honoring their patients' beliefs and values (255).
Since, cultural competency is a crucial component of healthcare delivery it needs that healthcare
providers understand and respect their patients' cultural and religious values, as well as
collaborate with them to discover solutions that match their specific requirements. Accepting
religious beliefs should not imply sacrificing evidence-based medical care, but rather seeking
alternate solutions that respect patients' beliefs and values. This approach not only respects
patients' values, but also guarantees that they receive the finest care available, adapted to their
specific requirements.
In fact, respecting the freedom of Jehovah's Witnesses to refuse blood transfusions can be
a difficult issue, particularly for medical professionals who view such procedures as crucial for
saving lives. The ethical theory of utilitarianism aims to maximize overall happiness or well-
being for the largest number of individuals. According to this approach, it would be ethical to
respect the wishes of Jehovah's Witnesses who reject blood transfusions because doing so would
result in greater overall happiness or well-being for them. This suggests that the utilitarian
approach supports the principle of respecting patient autonomy in medical treatment decisions,
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even in cases where it goes against conventional medical practices. From a utilitarian
perspective, the well-being of the individual Jehovah's Witness is more important than the
benefits that may be gained from a blood transfusion. For example, while a blood transfusion
may save the life of the individual in question, it could also cause them great distress and harm if
it violates their religious beliefs. Therefore, in this case, refusing the blood transfusion is the
moral choice because it maximizes the overall happiness and well-being of the individual.
Respecting the religious beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and allowing them to refuse blood
transfusions could have broader benefits for society as a whole. By promoting religious freedom
and respecting the autonomy of individuals, society can create a more tolerant and accepting
environment for people of all beliefs and backgrounds, which can lead to greater overall well-
being for everyone.
In conclusion, this essay stated that healthcare personnel must respect the religious views
and autonomy of Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse blood transfusions, even in life-threatening
situations because patients have the right to make healthcare decisions that are consistent with
their religious beliefs. The freedom to make healthcare decisions and practice one's religion are
important human rights, and healthcare providers owe it to patients to give them with all of the
information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their own treatment.
Respect for autonomy and cultural/religious values are significant ethical concepts that must be
balanced with the role of the healthcare professional to prioritize the patient's health and safety.
Alternative treatments that are compatible with the religious views of Jehovah's Witnesses can be
investigated in order to give effective and helpful medical care. In general, healthcare providers
must find a balance between evidence-based medical treatment and religious values in order to
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guarantee that patients receive the care they require while also conserving their basic human
rights.
Works Cited
Ariga, Tomonori. “Refusal of Blood by Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Patient’s Right to Self-
Determination.” Journal of Medical Ethics
, vol. 11, 2009, pp. S138–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.legalmed.2009.02.005. Ball, Amanda M., and P. Shane Winstead. “Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Therapy in Critically Ill Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy
, vol. 28, no. 11, Nov. 2008, pp. 1383–90, https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.28.11.1383. Benson, Kirk T. "The Jehovah's Witness Patient: Considerations for the Anesthesiologist." Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, vol. 55, 2019, pp. 118-123. https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-
analgesia/Citation/1989/11000/The_Jehovah_s_Witness_Patient__Considerations_for.17.as
px
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French, Brian M. "Culturally Competent Care." Journal of Infusion Nursing, vol. 26, no. 4, 2003,
pp. 252-255. https://journals.lww.com/journalofinfusionnursing/Fulltext/2003/07000/Culturally_Compet
ent_Care.11.aspx
Tshimanga, M., and S. Baloyi. “A Jehovah’s Witness with Hemolytic Anemia in Pregnancy Refuses Blood Transfusion: Case Report.” Obstetrics & Gynecology Forum
, vol. 30, no. 1, 2020, pp. 26–30. https://web.s.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
vid=3&sid=ca7ff2c1-b768-4457-8cfa-50b39c2f85c1%40redis
Veracity, H.L. "The Challenge of Jehovah's Witnesses and Their Refusal of Certain Medical Procedures." Journal of Medical Ethics, vol. 33, no. 11, Nov. 2007, pp. 631-635, doi: 10.1136/jme.2006.019364.
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