JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES THE SURGICAL/ETHICAL CHALLENGE - THE PHYSICIAN'S CHALLENGE

Understandably, caring for Jehovah's Witnesses might seems 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 individuals. Technique can be improved."

Professor Bolooki took note of a disturbing report that one of the busiest trauma hospital 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 risk 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 medicals staff.  Thus, both patients and physician are united in facing this unique challenge. 

REFERENCES

1. Jehovah's Witnesses and the Question of Blood. Brooklyn, NY, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1977, pp 1-64.

2. The Watchtower 1978; 99 (June 15) 29-31.

3. Hypotensive anesthesia facilities hip surgery, Medical News. JAMA 1978; 239:181. 

4. Hetastarch (Hespan) -a new plasma expander. Med Lett Drugs 1981; 23:16.

For more references, go on jw.org publications, under this subject; put in search engine.

Next time:  BLOOD: WHOSE CHOICE AND WHOSE CONSCIENCE?

From the jw.org publications