Case Study Paper
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Nova Southeastern University *
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Philosophy
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by DrCrab1057
Astrid Yunapanta
Professor Matthew Gowans
Phil 2050
3 March 2023
When Religious Beliefs Conflict with Medical Ethics: A Case Study of Jehovah's Witnesses
Religion is an important aspect of many people's lives and can greatly influence their
beliefs and decision-making, including in matters of healthcare. However, what happens when
religious beliefs conflict with established medical ethics? This case study explores this issue
through the lens of Jehovah's Witnesses, whose beliefs prohibit the use of blood transfusions, a
common and often life-saving medical intervention. As such, healthcare providers may face
ethical dilemmas when treating Jehovah's Witnesses, particularly in emergency situations where
time is critical. By examining a specific case study, this paper aims to highlight the complex
ethical considerations that arise when religious beliefs clash with medical ethics and to explore
potential solutions that respect both the patient's religious beliefs and the healthcare provider's
ethical obligations.
In the case study "A Jehovah's Witness with Hemolytic Anemia in Pregnancy Refuses
Blood Transfusion," a 24-year-old pregnant woman who is a Jehovah's Witness is admitted to the
hospital with hemolytic anemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The patient is informed
that a blood transfusion is necessary for her survival and that of her unborn child, but she refuses
the treatment on religious grounds. The medical team is faced with an ethical dilemma, as they
must respect the patient's autonomy and religious beliefs while also ensuring the best possible
outcome for her and her child.
According to Tshimanga and Baloyi, the patient's refusal of blood transfusion is based on
her religious beliefs, as Jehovah's Witnesses believe that accepting blood transfusions violates
biblical teachings. The medical team is obligated to respect her decision and honor her religious
beliefs, despite their concerns about her survival and that of her unborn child (26). As the authors
note, "the attending obstetrician had no choice but to respect the patient's autonomy and religious
beliefs" (Tshimanga and Baloyi). The case study highlights the complex ethical considerations
that arise when religious beliefs clash with established medical ethics. Tshimanga and Baloyi
emphasize that healthcare providers must balance respect for patient autonomy and religious
beliefs with their ethical obligation to provide the best possible care. As they note, "it is
important for health care professionals to find ways of respecting their patients' religious beliefs,
while still providing them with the best possible care in emergency situations" (Tshimanga and
Baloyi).
The issue of religious beliefs conflicting with medical ethics is a complex and
challenging one. In Germany, hospital liaison committees for Jehovah's Witnesses have been
established to mediate between the healthcare system and members of this religious group who
refuse blood transfusions on religious grounds (Rajtar). These committees can help healthcare
providers to understand and respect the religious beliefs of their patients, while ensuring that
patients receive appropriate medical care. However, even with such committees in place, the
refusal of blood transfusions can still present difficult surgical challenges for healthcare
providers (Garoufalia et al.). The authors of the case study “Operating on Jehovah's Witnesses: A
Challenging Surgical Issue”
suggest that healthcare providers should engage in a thorough and
informed discussion with patients and their families about the risks and benefits of surgery and
explore alternative treatments, when possible. The intersection of medical treatment and religious
beliefs is not limited to Jehovah's Witnesses, as shown by the case of Veselibas Ministrija, a
Latvian religious group that advocates for alternative therapies over conventional medicine (Di
Federico), that case highlights the importance of understanding the religious beliefs and practices
of patients to provide culturally competent care. These kinds of cases raise important questions
about patient autonomy and the right to self-determination, as well as the ethical obligations of
healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients (Ariga). As healthcare
continues to evolve, it will be important to find ways to balance respect for religious beliefs with
the need for evidence-based medical care.
In conclusion, the case study of a Jehovah's Witness with hemolytic anemia in pregnancy
refusing blood transfusion highlights the complex ethical considerations that arise when religious
beliefs clash with established medical ethics. Healthcare providers must navigate the delicate
balance between respecting patient autonomy and religious beliefs, while also ensuring the best
possible outcome for their patients. Through the lens of Jehovah's Witnesses, this paper has
explored potential solutions, such as hospital liaison committees and informed discussions about
risks and benefits, to address the challenges of respecting religious beliefs while providing
evidence-based medical care. The intersection of religion and healthcare is a complex and
evolving issue, and it is essential for healthcare providers to remain informed, culturally
competent, and respectful of patient autonomy while upholding ethical obligations to provide the
best possible care. Ultimately, this case study highlights the need for ongoing discussions and
ethical considerations in the medical field to ensure that religious beliefs and medical ethics are
balanced to provide the best possible care for all patients.
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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.
Di Federico, Giacomo. “When Medical Treatment and Religious Beliefs Intersect: The Case of
Veselibas Ministrija.”
Journal of Medical Ethics
, vol. 46, no. 5, 2021, pp. 69–80.
https://doi.org/10.15166/2499-8249/452.
Garoufalia, Z, et al. “Operating on Jehovah's Witnesses: A Challenging Surgical Issue.”
Journal
of Religion and Health
, vol. 61, no. 3, 2022, pp. 2447–57.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01175-5.
Rajtar, Malgorzata. “Health Care Reform and Diagnosis Related Groups in Germany: The
Mediating Role of Hospital Liaison Committees for Jehovah's Witnesses.”
Social Science
& Medicine (1982)
, U.S. National Library of Medicine,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27542103/.
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