EXTRACTS FROM OPINION, DATED JANUARY 12, 2023:
“I have been Head of Cardiac Surgery at the Strasbourg University Hospital since 2008. I have been practicing cardiac surgery for almost 30 years. Throughout my career, I have operated on patients of different religious faiths, and in particular Jehovah’s Witnesses. It should be noted from the outset that I am an atheist.
Dealing with Jehovahs Witnesses is no different from dealing with any other patient, regardless of their faith. I generally explain their condition and the solutions I can offer during the consultation. The exchanges are always cordial, and I find it easy to answer their questions while reassuring them about the benefits and risks of heart surgery.
The fact that Jehovah’s Witness patients refuse blood transfusions is not a problem in itself. Indeed, in our specialty, we have always tried to reduce or even avoid blood transfusions by modifying or adapting our procedures. …” (Original in French.)
Share This Page