Is it ok to give transfusion of: White or Red Blood Cells or/and Platelets to a Non-Jehovah's Witness family member with leukemia?
2007-05-25 05:20:37 · 11 answers · asked by Mike B 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I'm a Jehovah's Witness
2007-05-25 05:48:20 · update #1
I expect you are suffering a great deal of emotional pain by asking this Q. Do you feel helpless, standing by watching a beloved family member waste slowly and painfully away with leukemia? As a JW you would have qualms at the very idea of white or red blood cells / platelets being given because you know full well (despite cute language employed in JW literature) that any JW agreeing to such treatment, let alone accepting it personally, would be expected to repent of such a 'sin', otherwise they could be disfellowshipped. Fortunately the annonymity guaranteed on this site enables you to ask the unmentionable.
If it's any comfort to you, the goal-posts on blood products are being moved further and further apart. The stance now taken is astonishingly liberal compared with the entrenched position of the 1950s-1970s. If you analyse what is "recommended" and what is "not recommended" by the Wt.Soc, you will see that it's really only the "skin" of blood that is the problem. In other words, you can have myriad individual components of blood without incuring the disapproval of the Wt.Soc. But put most of those individual items together in one bottle and, suddenly, it's wrong! Really? Since when did the symbol for life (blood) become more important than life itself? Life is sacred - a God-given gift. Careful use of blood / components can save life. When there is a choice between seeing someone die or giving them a treatment that could save their life, you show respect for God's gift of life by trying to prolong that life. I'll be in prayer for you and your family.
2007-05-26 04:44:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well firstly, if you are/were a Witness then you know that this is certainly not THE place to go for such information. Also you would know that such matters are ultimately up to your conscience.
I am so sorry for your situation. I recently lost my father to Leukemia. His doctor was very helpful in coming up with no blood solutions, sadly it seems the cancer was farther along than we realised. I suggest you do research on bloodless ways of helping.
Your question was asked recently, though with some slight wording differences. Here is my answer:
Well there are a few principles in play here. Case in point, if you believe murder is wrong, would you hand someone a gun you won't use to murder, but they will, since they don't share your beliefs?
Since we as Christians feel it wrong to accept blood transfusions, and feel that they are wrong, I can't see a Christian then giving blood up so someone else can take part in that activity.
I personally do not agree with getting drunk/doing drugs. Often I've seen people asking for money, often admitting they wanted it to drink. Even though I know that they don't have the same values as me, I still can't help them/support them in doing what I know is wrong
2007-05-25 15:45:55 · answer #2 · answered by Ish Var Lan Salinger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. This is something with a solid evidence base behind it. Additionally, the Bible does not speak against it.
If you take the word of the JW's on this point, it is permissible to have blood fractions (white cells, red cells, platelets etc.)
2007-05-27 00:54:06 · answer #3 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is OK to give blood to the family members, and this deed will reward you in the eternal day also.
2007-05-25 05:30:27 · answer #4 · answered by mak 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
directed donations are not allowed. Asking ppl to donate specifically for only one person is not safe nor ethical.
You can donate and your blood will go a needy person but not your family member. Your family member will recieve blood and blood products as they need them from a safe source.
2007-05-25 05:30:34 · answer #5 · answered by jbenishmlt 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think that important point here is what is what a patients want, go ageist a patient will could make them go faster.
2007-05-25 05:31:15 · answer #6 · answered by DAMA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the person is not of that faith, I should think there would be no question as to it being just fine.
2007-05-25 05:30:39 · answer #7 · answered by laurel g 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you ask us? It is not up to us? We don't decide what is "Ok" or not. It is up to God.
Since the person is a non-JW, they don't follow the Bible in other matters so why apply Bible's standards to this one?
2007-05-25 10:08:53 · answer #8 · answered by sklemetti 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they are not JW, then they should be receptive to medical assistance.
2007-05-25 05:27:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's completely up to you.
2007-05-25 07:39:54 · answer #10 · answered by tessasmomy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋