Ethical Issues Inherent to Jehovah's Witnesses

The refusal of a lifesaving blood transfusion by a competent adult Jehovah's Witness, resulting in the death of a patient whose life could have been saved, is an example of a true ethical dilemma. If Jehovah's Witness patients are forced to accept a blood transfusion that is contrary to their beliefs, their autonomy as patients is clearly violated. If patients die as a result of refusing this therapy, there is a sense that “harm” has been done and that a medical “benefit,” commonly available to others, was not available for these patients. The author examines the belief system that gives rise to the conflict as well as past and current efforts to resolve this ethical conflict.