How many non-JWs are now refusing blood transfusions or blood products?

Question

I just came across something of interest. I'm using Quicken Will Maker for creating a new Will. I did the last one 20 years and two wives ago.

I note in answering the questions about life prolonging procedures, that it includes whether blood or blood products are to be used? Being that JWs make up an overall small part of the population, one has to wonder why this has become a standard question? But, when you Google Bloodless Surgery, you find that over 150 hospitals now offer bloodless options to all patients and that only 10% of those refusing blood are JW. What does that equal in actual numbers?

Reading many of the answers on here, apparently a week doesn't go by that a Witness doesn't die from refusing a blood transfusion. Since they only make up 10%, does that mean 9 others are dying, also?

Answer 1

My wife has have had many surgeries. We started blood doping for her to avoid transfusions. We are not JW. She gives her own blood and it is stored for her, right before surgery. Someday they will perfect bloodless surgery.
We are leery of transfusions but use them when necessary.

Answer 2

As to the actual number of those refusing blood, I couldn't begin to say. But I do know, from overhearing the conversations of others, that the reason is the same: safety. Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood because it's prohibited in the Bible; but the medical advantages to not using blood are becoming more and more apparent. And they all revolve around the same thing: it's safer. Blood transmits a whole host of diseases, not the least of which are AIDS and the various hepatitis disorders. And researchers keep finding new disorders that are transmitted by blood.
I very much doubt the statement: ". . apparently a week doesn't go by that a Witness" etc, etc. That sounds like an exaggeration used as a scare tactic. Doctors are so-o-o used to relying on blood when doing surgery that it has become a crutch, an addictive one at that! (Some even use it when it's not needed! "Just to be on the safe side" as it were.) Yes, it's possible to die from non-blood surgery. But, and this is what most people don't seem to know, more people die from complications due to USING blood than do from non-blood surgery! Plus there's the additional risk of catching something else from the transfusion! Another thing a lot of people don't seem to know is that there are ALWAYS alternatives to using blood, like plasma volume expanders, or the plastic blood invented in Japan, to name two of many.
I believe the reason that the point about using blood or non-blood prcedures is included on that form is because of what's known as "informed consent." Patients have the legal right to know alternatives in their own situations, whether it be an illness or a life prolonging situation. That's why Jehovah's Witnesses carry an "Advance Care Medical Directive." It spells out specifically what we accept as to medical treatment or life prolonging situations. And we carry it in case we are unable to speak (like being unconscious) and there's no one who is immediately available to speak for us, such as a close family member.
Sorry that this has taken so long.

Answer 3

My son recently had major hip surgery. I was raised a JW, but am not baptized, neither is my son. We spoke at length with the dr regarding blood transfusions and he agreed to do the complex surgery without the use of blood. My son sailed thru surgery with ZERO complications and was up walking(with a walker) within 8 hours. The dr was amazed at his recovery. He was also amazed at the minimal blood loss my son experianced. We explained we had used iron supplements to build his blood up. He remarked that he had never seen someone do so well after this kind of surgery. His Dr now recommends that ALL PATIENTS take iron supplements prior to surgery to avoid having to use blood.

Many Dr.'s are now realizing the lasting benefits of bloodless surgery. Also people do not realize they can still contract AIDS and other diseases from this "safe" blood supply. Many diseases have an incubation period where they wont show up on tests. It is not just JW's that realize this anymore. But I believe it is because of their pioneering efforts that more people can benefit from bloodless surgery.

Answer 4

Glad you are taking care of that will. Many years ago during the problems with HIV tainted blood hospitals made surgical changes. This showed that this type of surgery was possible
I think that you should base your decision on whether you want DNR (do not resuscitate), life support machines, and transfusion

Answer 5

You have to consent to receive blood or blood products. If, for example, you were unconscious and losing blood, including that you were okay with receiving a transfusion would expedite getting you the blood that you needed. I don't think its as much about refusal as it is that consent is required.

Answer 6

That is an interesting question and I'm going to star it. I would think that there may be people that are afraid of STDs and other diseases that in times past have infected recipients.

Answer 7

I guess I'm one of them. I like to follow the Bible rather than men.