JEHOVAH''S WITNESSES THE SURGICAL/ETHICAL CHALLENGE

THE PHYSICIAN'S CHALLENGE

Understandably, caring for Jehovah's Witnesses might seem to pose a dilemma for the physician dedicated to preserving life and health by employing all the techniques at his disposal. Editorially prefacing a series of articles about major surgery on Witnesses, Harvey admitted,  "I do find annoying those beliefs that may interfere with my work."  But, he added:  "Perhaps we too easily forget that surgery is a craft dependent upon the personal technique of the individuals.  Technique can be improved.  

Professor Bolooki took note of a disturbing report that one of the busiest trauma hospitals in Dade County, Florida had  a "
blanket policy of refusing to treat" Witnesses.  He pointed out that "most surgical procedures in this group of patients are associated  with less risk than usual."  He added:  "Although the surgeons may feel that they are deprived of an instrument of modern medicine . . . I am convinced that by operating on these patients they will learn a great deal." 

Rather than consider the Witness patient a problem, more and more physicians accept the situation as a medical challenge. In meeting the challenge they have developed a standard of practice for this group of patients that is accepted at numerous medical centers around the country. These physicians are at the same time providing care that is best for the patient's total good.  As Gardner et al observe: "Who would benefit  if the patient's corporal malady is cured but the spiritual life with God, as he sees it, is compromised, which leads to a life that is meaningless and perhaps worse than death itself."

Witnesses recognize that, medically, their  firmly held conviction appears to add a degree of risks and may complicate their care.  Accordingly, they generally manifest unusual appreciation for the care they receive.  In addition to having the vital elements of deep faith and an intense will to live, they gladly cooperate  with physicians and medical staff. Thus, both patient and physicians  are united in facing this unique challenge.  

Next time: BLOOD: WHOSE CHOICE AND WHOSE CONSCIENCE?/by J.Lowell Dixon, MD

From the Watchtower magazine