Japan Today
Friday, February 29, 2008
“TOKYO — A joint panel of Japan’s five medical societies on Thursday said that children under 15 who require blood transfusions should be given them, even if this means going against the wishes of their parents, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, who object to such treatment on account of their religious beliefs.

Releasing guidelines on the issue in a press conference, the panel headed by Fukushima Medical University professor Hitoshi Oto said children under 15 should be socially protected, drawing a line at the age from which a …

The Boston Globe Online, March 9, 2008
By Dr. Darshak Sanghavi
“Maria and Jose Azevedo had to choose: allow their baby to die a preventable death or save him while acting against their religion. The doctor who helped guide them shares their story.”

For Jose and Maria Azevedo, their beliefs left them little choice as they agonized over one of their children’s health. (Photo by Tanit Sakakini)
 
ALTHOUGH MARIA and Jose Azevedo didn’t know it back then - after all, they were children who lived on separate continents - their lives would be both …

Blood and Belief
As a one-time Jehovah’s Witness I never questioned the Watchtower Society’s firm stance on Blood. I took it as the God-inspired direction that came through the conduit of the Governing Body. As a Witness, no one dares to question direction from the Governing Body, since doing so would be questioning the word of God himself. What’s more, it would show your ’spiritual weakness’ and at worst you may be deemed to be working against God’s Holy Spirit - the most serious unforgivable sin. The thing most Witnesses do, …