Children of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Medical Care

Overview

Paediatrician in the Czech Republic have firm support if they decide in the interest of the child’s health or when his life is endangered to use procedures for which the parents did not give their consent. This applies also to blood transfusions. This problem may arise in children whose parents are members of the church of Jehovah’s witnesses. In recent years a number of procedures was developed which enable doctors to avoid blood transfusion or administration of blood derivatives and they can thus proceed lege artis. in discussions with parents refusing some methods and processes in the care of their children we should offer an explanation, objective information (evidence based medicine). Let us try to optimize health care of children while respecting to a maximum extent views and attitudes of parents.

Key words:
children of Jehovah’s witnesses, medical care, laws, alternatives of blood transfusion and administration of blood derivatives