Quebec judge orders blood transfusions for twins of Jehovah's Witness parents

The Gazette, Canada/May 24, 2007

A Quebec judge has ordered a Quebec City hospital to give premature twins a blood transfusion despite the objections of their Jehovah's Witness parents.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Jean Bouchard ruled Wednesday that the hospital should continue with the procedure after doctors treating the babies were able to demonstrate the severity of the situation.

Dr. Sylvie Belanger and Dr. Genevieve Piuze told the court that blood transfusions were necessary to keep the twins alive and to avoid brain damage.

A doctor who is a Jehovah's Witness testified on the parents behalf that alternatives to transfusion were available.

The twins were born by caesarean birth last Thursday following a 25-week pregnancy.

The parents say they are willing to co-operate with the decision.