I think it is highly hypocritical of the JW org to accept fractions derived from blood but to disallow there members to donate these fractions

Also 'if 'The biblical passage in Acts meaning transfusing as well as eating blood where does it leave the way open for fractions

You JW's need to open your eyes. You're being taken for a merry song and dance by a few men in Brooklyn sitting on billions of dollars.

shane , Galway, Ireland

God Bless the Red Cross

The Biggest issue with the blood supply is there isn't enough donors.
Patients like Jehovah's Witnesses DO use the blood banks for their various blood 'fractions' but refuse to donate themselves.

No blood "substitutes" exist at this time only red cells will carry oxygen.With emerging medical advancements it's just a matter of time before the Red Cross blood drive collection becomes obsolete.
The risk of dying in a road accident is approximately 250 times greater than the risk of AIDS from a blood transfusion, and 25 times greater than the risk of catching hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Danny Haszard, Maine, USA

What is the difference if you eat the blood, drink the blood or pump it into your veins? You're still putting it into your body.

If a Dr tells an alcoholic to stop drinking because he's causing himself harm, yet the guy decides to get around the 'technicality' of not drinking by mainlining his vodka thru his veins, isn't he still taking in alcohol? Won't the liver still deteriorate, won't his blood test show that he's drunk?

If a heroin addict switches from mainlining his drug to snorting or swallowing it, isn't he still putting heroin into his body? Is one method of consumption healthier than the other?

Blood transfusions didn't exist when the command to "abstain from blood" and to "not eat blood" was given. But who wants to stand before God when that time comes & nit-pick his choice of words? I doubt anyone in bible days would have known what a blood 'transfusion' was, but God stated the principle & gave us the intelligence to reason on it. "Abstain" means just that.

Susan, Houston, TX, USA

Christ said "God wants Mercy not Sacrifice" (Mat 12:7) and 1 Samuel 14:32-34 says when Saul's whole army ate unbled meat to stay alive God forgave them; so this death was unnecessary and unscriptural.

J Mason Emerson, Overland Park, Kansas

Wow. Sad as this story is, i have to say that i am proud of this woman for taking her stand. The bible says "abstain from blood", and rather that try to twist it or take something away from it to benefit her now, she took the scripture literally, and it will definitely benefit her in the future. Just to clarify something, the Watchtower did not make a rule saying that Jehovah's Witnesses cannot take blood. That rule is taken straight from the bible scripture that says "abstain from blood". Also, the Jehovah's Witnesses religion is not a cult. lovers of god chose to join and can just as easily choose to leave.

Simoce, sunnyville, california

The Bible says nothing about blood transfusions. They didn’t exist when the Old Testament and Acts were written. The Bible passages in question (kosher law) have to do with diet.
This deadly doctrine by the Watchtower leadership is killing men,woman and babies.

Danny Haszard, Maine, USA

Pretty straight forward in Acts 15:28-29. It puts taking in blood in the same catagory as fornication. She was faithful right to the end........

August, Spokane, WA

its sad that this situation is portrayed in this way. I used to be a JW and have been dishfellowshipped, however I have the utmost respect for the woman and all her family. From my experience, she will have made her decision well before the event and would not have been under pressure from anyone. she would have thought long and hard about the consequences and her husband would know exactly what her decision and wishes were.. The husband made the right decision, he will no doubt bring up the children well and will receive abundant support and help from such a tight nit community. Yes the twins will not have a mother, which is sad, but they have a supportive family who respect life and the right to decide your own future.

paul, peterborough, uk

The misapplication of scriptures that have to do with dead animals in a sacrificial context, applied to living humans in medical settings shows bias. http://jehovahswitnessesandthoughtcontrol.blogspot.com/

athlyn, Springhill, Canada

The Watchtower leaders of the Jehovah's Witnesses are hypocrites,they promote no blood while at the same time use many blood fractions.
The fact is that elective bloodless surgery advancements are not going to help me if I have trauma and lose much of my blood volume and need an emergency blood transfusion.

JanetHope, London , UK

i am a jehovahs witness too,i am 15, i feel greatly sorry for what has happened and my heart goes out to the family and local congregation. as arnie mentioned, god will remember her and we all look forward to meeting her again in the future.

katie, broadstairs,

Idiots. At what point in your faith does it say that you may not use another's blood - freely given! - to save your own life. The bible (yes, I did not capitalize it!) verses above say you must not EAT the blood and must not partake (i.e. consume as food or beverage) the "things sacrificed to idols". I'm sure the mother thought she was "prospering" when she was about to die. What does the Jehova's Witness faith say about being stupid? Take some medical courses and learn that you are not "eating" or "consuming" blood for food, but using it to transport oxygen to the cells of your body to keep your sorry selves alive. Accepting a blood transfusion doesn't mean you are accepting a meal, but rather keeping your cells from dying. But, then again, if you think god doesn't want you to have a blood transfusion, it must mean he actually wants you to die, so why even bother with medical care after the point which the doctor (who knows WAY more than you about blood) says you need more blood.

JF, Seattle, WA

I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses and while I can imagine how sad her loss is to her family and friends I do admire the strong stand she took to stick to her faith. Many people choose religion according to what suits them best - not in our case. We regard the guidance in the bible as the truth from God and seriously try hard to abide by them all the time. So yes, we obey the Bible's command to abstain from blood as much as we do obey the command not to kill. We don't take part or support wars and we don't smoke and other things because we regard life as sacred. Our stand is strong because we know what we're doing, for whom we're doing them and the blessings for doing them. Honestly, there is only admiration for this woman - God will remember her.

Arnie, Malta,

My wife's mother is a Jehovah Witness. Her mother became on after the lose of her husband. My wife has not seen her mother for 18 months because her mum has turned her back on the family. This is due to the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Colin, Hitchin, UK

Skip: "Today's religions are full of hypocresy, greed and Bible ignorance that support war, murder and nationalism."
So all those (inc JW)who feel that it is OK to chastise hundreds of thousands of people for being gay are suddenly heaven-bound are they? Forgive me, but I thought that FAITH was about spirituality and tolerance, love and understanding of others. I don't see those who are bashing their bibles and telling homosexuals that they are going to go to hell displaying any of these (Christian) tendencies.
Back to the story, though....I have respect, of a kind, to this woman and her family for her belief, but if we are going to turn this flip-side, and agree that the life-source of the living is in the blood, I'm not sure how, by replenishing her blood loss by receiving 'one of the greatest gifts of all' could not restore what is surely the most precious gift of all from God: life itself?
At least that's what I always thought Chirstians believed God gave us...

RM, Birmingham, UK

I cannot contemplate how someones beliefs can control them that much that they are willing to die rather than disobey something they cannot even proves exists. I have up-most respect for this woman and her family but also am deeply saddened for her and her motherless children.

Holly, Buckinghamshire,

They are all mad, mad, mad.

Chick Mc Kain, London,

Blood issue at a glance: The Watchtower leadership of the Jehovah's Witnesses say NO blood, BUT they actually DO ALLOW some blood "fractions".

Problem is this variance is so esoteric complicated that by the time special elders appear in the ER with the rule book, the JW patient is at the point of no return,bleeding to death.

NOW,they blame the hospital staff for not having a "cell saver" machine instead of the Watchtower leaders who are responsible for making the rules.

In 20 years there will be 'artificial blood' for anyone who chooses it putting an end to this once and for all.

Danny Haszard, Maine, USA

It's intriguing to read comments & get feel for others' views on what we believe as JWs.Dealing with any kind of serious medical issue is hard enough on it's own, let alone when involves life and deciding on the welfare of others that may be affected.In summary of reading all comments, there seem 2B 3 main issues that are circulating, & I'd like to express my responses to these as one of JWs:1)"Our interpretation of the Bible's scriptures that discuss blood use is wrong, because these talk about only eating blood, not transfusions because such is a modern thing"---the belief is not that blood shouldn't be eaten or taken into body b/c can provide nourishment, but should be avoided b/c God views it as representing life of the animal/human, b/c w/o blood we can't live.God also gave us life to begin with, has right to take it away,& when we die R lifeforce energy goes back to him.We were created for his glory not R own.Jesus' blood was also precious b/c it being shed in sacrifce.

Amanda, Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada

One of the principle elements of this sad outcome for me is how her death happened which any family would want to prevent. Her family, she herself would not wish for it. Please therefore do not reach immediate judgements that Jehovah's Witnesses would allow themselves to be sting by death and not seek to to preserve their lives unjustly.

I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses. We would aim to seek the best medical treatment that is not in violation of God's laws.
We do not practice suicide or sacriface ourselves senselessly.

If you take time to examine this couragous woman's faith. You might learn of the outstanding future she, her family, friends are looking forward to without death, pain & sorrow. Why not address your local Jehovah's Witnesses to learn why they taken such a stand. And hear what is more better than the life now that they anticipate in the near future. It won't hurt to listen to what they have to say via Bible. You can still have your truthful conclusions after so.

Curtis Jackson, Bay Shore, United States NY

There IS a cheaper, safer and functionally better alternative to donor blood in the bleeding patient. Widely and routinely used throughout the rest of the developed world and starting to be accepted in the NHS (NICE guidelines even approve in obstetrics) - cell salvage. Blood is collected, washed and given back to the patient - yes, even most JW's will accept it. It takes only a few minutes. I have been refusing blood products for over 20years - not for religious reasons, but because of my educated understanding of the risks. We are lucky to have one of the best blood services in the world - but this resource should be saved for those for whom there is NO alternative e.g. cancer patients.

Was cell salvage available for this lady? If not, why not? Its been used for more than 30years in the US - it IS the latest technology for treating the haemorrhaging patient, NOT just donor transfusions.

The tragedy of this is that the NHS does not ensure standards of care equal to rest of the world

Clare, Surrey, England

First of all, my sincere condolances to the friends and family of this youg woman, however we may look at it, they have had a loss, and perhaps compassion would be the first thing Jesus would show, even though he might well disagree.

Second, I have close friends who are JW's, and although I can in no way aggree with their beliefs, I respect them for their committment to their faith. They try hard to be good people, at least they are trying to stand for something, even though I disagree with their unique stand on various point.

However, I must add my comments to those who can not accept this doctrine. Here are my own findings on the subject. Historically, in biblical times many of the neighbouring countries to Isreal sacrificed their own children to idols, drank the blood of their enemies etc. By not taking blood, Isreal was not participating in these acts.

Until God himself appears and tells us what it what, you will still have thousands of differing religions.

Mark Fahey, Huddersfield, England.

The Watchtower religion invented the no blood dogma in 1945,thousands of men,women,children have perished.In 2007 and beyond the Watchtower will find "new light" and repeal the blood ban.

This means that all those thousands of deaths were needless.
Isn't this mass suicide by religion,like in Jonestown?

Brandy, Sidney, Australia

I admire her for holding on to her belief until her death. She will serve as my inspiration for as long as I live. Many people are more afraid to die and would rather save themselves than hold on to their chosen beliefs. That is not true faith. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that our life in this present system of things is not the 'real life/' The real life is on Paradise earth when all this wicked present system of thingswill be replaced by God's Kingdom. Besides, even though we die, we still have the hope of resurrection. This life is not all there is. I am very sure that Jehovah God will take care of the twins as well as her husband. I'll be praying for them.

L. Mauricio, Manila, Philippines

I was born a 3rd generation Jehovah's Witness in 1957 and endured the Watchtower's no blood commandment with longstanding bleeding Crohn's disease.The Watchtower leadership expects followers to die for their dogma and many have.The medical staff get blamed and are 'damned if they do damned if they don't'.
---
Danny Haszard

Danny , Maine, usa

wow what a lot of opposing comments.. a few things to consider...my midwife asked me what i thought of the whole thing. She a non witness was upset at what had happened. We agreed that we didn't know the whole story, would she REALLY have survived if she had been given blood? There are still many women every year who did in childbirth. There are many other procedures available, ie drugs to boost red blood cells etc and plasma expanders... what would you want for yourself looking at it from a non scriptural point of view? A few bags of dirty blood full of goodness knows what, or the best medical care available? I will be filling my directive form in soon and making my decisions for maternity care, and i hope that i could take as firm a stand as she did! My midwife was also concerned that hospital staff were reported to have tried to convince the family to override the woman's legally binding decision. Illegal!!!!

j, staffs,

Who are Jehovah's Witnesses?
Dissident Jehovah's Witness speaks out.

No tolerance,the Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because they try to cut you off from others who do not have the same beliefs, including family. Yes,you can 'check out anytime you want but you can never leave',because they can and will hold your family hostage.

The Watchtower is an oppressive cult if there ever was one!

It's amazing they are still around after 100 years of 100% failed prophecies. Truly amazing,that they can prompt their followers to actually go door to door with a 100% bogus message.
The Watchtower is a truly Orwellian world.

The 'message' is their false Gospel that Jesus had his second coming already in 1914.The problem with this,is it's not just a cute fairy tale, Jesus warned of the false prophets who would claim "..look he is here in the wilderness,or see here he is at the temple"

The Watchtower's Gospel "kingdom" is a man-made "different version".(Gal.1:8)


Danny Haszard Jehovah's Witness X 33 years and 3rd generation

Danny Haszard, Maine, usa

or do we only go after JW and any religion that we do not agree with. I am sure the young woman considered her choice and what it meant, having been under the knife three times and each time checking off the box not to receive blood transfusions and ensuring my husband who does not share my beliefs understands and will uphold my decision in the event of my inability to and care for my two beautiful kids if i die, i know what it takes to make that choice and i also know that this is very fundamental to a devout witness. So the bashing is really not needed, she made her decision, it is sad she lost her life but then she stood firm for what she believed in and that should be what she should be remembered for. I will remember her and she will serve as my incentive and strength whenever i feel myself wavering.

savvy80, BROOKLYN,

While I do not agree with much of their doctrine, I respect the views of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I believe all people have the right, and responsibility, to determine for themselves what they believe. What I do not understand is the willingness of a decent and sincere group of people to accept as holy scripture a version of the Bible that has been interpreted and reinterpreted again and again by people whose authority or competency to do so has not been established. Many people believe the King James' version of the Bible to be accurate as far as it has been translated correctly from language to language as it was handed down over hundreds of years. I find it very sad that this woman and her family and their fellow believers accepted a very subjective, modern-day interpretation of an ancient text, and this particular interpretation cost them dearly. But my heart goes out to this family as they grieve their loss.

Amy, Phoenix, USA

To any Canadians living in the British Isles notice of settlement for hepatitis C class action who got this condition from blood transfusions received between 1986 to 1998 if still a live you can put a claim in at www.pre86post90settlement.ca.To the six thousand Britains who received blood in the 1990's contaminated with vCJD a form of mad cow disease nothing for you.

Robert Reid, Oshawa, Canada

this woman is part of a publishing corporation that considers itself the mouthpiece of God, calling itself "the faithful and discreet slave". All questioning of its doctrines is viewed as apostasy, and leads to "disfellowshipping" - total shunning. All Jehovah's witnesses know that accepting blood is certainly a disfellowshipping offence leading to loss of family and friends.

mvp, Bristol,

I think that religion can be seen from many points of view but as well as some might disagree, like me, with the arcaic views and methods in them, there is also a need to respect what others believe.

Marianty Mavros, Guatemala City, Guatema;a,

This is a very tragic event - and I fully appreciate it's complexity and moral issues. So what I say not meant as irreverant...

According to the verse...to abstain "from blood"

I'm sorry - but I read this as "Don't be a Vampire" not use others blood to save each other...

Daniel, Bangor,

Ignorance is not bliss: it can be deadly. And ignorance has put many people in an early grave. Never forget "The Christmas Carol" and the spirit's admonition to Scrooge to stay away from the boy, whose name is "ignorance"!

The JW's deadly ignorance stems for a mis-interpretation of Bible Scripture:"Lev:17:14: For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.


It takes a special kind of ignorance to twist Scripture into a prohibition against transfusions, but this points up the difference between God's Scriptures, and manmade, pea-brained religion which is based in opinion -not Scripture.

No one can live on even vein-to-vein transfusion for nourishment: ask your Doctor: medical science has long known this.

Choose Christianity: run from religion!

B. Lee Pemberton, Sarasota, FL USA

She was truly a remarkable woman! She died proving her integrity and love for Jehovah.

I look forward to welcoming this woman one of my dear sisters back from the dead once God has done away with this wicked generation after Armagedon.

Nathan, Basildon, UK

perhaps someone can explain this paradox to me,

To steal is wrong, considered a sin. But if you were starving and stole bread to feed yourself or your family, this is not a sin and god would forgive you as life was at stake.

why is accepting a blood tranfusion different?
You can ordinallary say, i won't eat/injest blood, but since a life is a stake is it still sinfull?

can someone explain this to me?

Mary, oxford, oxfordshiree

I think this story is absolutely heart wrenching and is obviously devastating for all involved.

I believe that in a day and age where it would have been possible to save this woman's life, for her to chose the path she did seems to me, an outsider, sheer lunacy. However, it demonstrates a commitment to her faith that can only be admired, even if it is not understood.

What I do find most upsetting, though, is how, a 22 year old woman, can give birth to twins and deny herself the chance to see her children grow up. She will never see them start school, or get married and have children of their own. Not only has she deprived herself of this opportunity, but there are now 2 tiny babies in this world, who will never know a mothers love.

I just can't begin to comprehend how a young girl with her whole life ahead of her can put her faith before the happiness of her children.

Katie, Somerset, UK

A tragic waste of life, more so because 2 children are left without their mother.
Its about time everyone realised we're in the 21st century, not the 12th, and stopped believing this superstitious nonsense. In any event, the passage in the Bible sounds more like a ban on eating black pudding.

Kevin, Durham, UK

In response to Ken, Edinborough,

"the truth is that if the Watchtower Society (the religion's corporate headquarters) decided tomorrow that taking blood is acceptable, overnight six million JWs would suddenly also decide it's okay to have a transfusion"

This is utter rubbish, the bibles stance on the refusal of blood is black and white. Witnesses live by what the Bible says, the Society would / could never say the above as it would be going against the bibles view.

All Witnesses live by what the bible states, if such a false message was somehow deceminated then all Witnesses would still follow what the bible says on blood and all other subjects as they will have proved to themselves by studying Gods word that it is the truth.

Nathan, Southend On Sea, UK

To the casual observer of these comments, I would take most with a large pinch of salt as every time there is any negative publicity about the Witnesses, large amounts of bitter people post extremely negative comments as they are extremely biased.

Nathan, Southend On Sea, UK

I just realised that I have a very unique perspective on this. My mother nearly died the same way when I was five years old, and today 30 years later I have just realised I oculd of been an orphan just as these two babies are. I was lucky though, my mother survived (it was not expected). I was a witness until I was 28 years old and thankfully I have 'seen the light' and left. I have thought long and hard about this organisation and their belief system and way of organisation and it is very bad for one's mental health and self esteem. I would encourage any witness with an inkling of any doubt to research this corporation which is one the the richest in New York and is big land owner, you do not need this company to have a relationship with God, no one has a copyright on the bible, you can go to God direct, if you so need to.

Michelle, Mornington, Ireland

Anyone care to show some sympathy for the nurses and doctors who had to deal with this case, who are receiving counciling for the terrible ordeal THEY were put through. They go into a job to SAVE lives and when something as simple as a blood transfusion WOULD have saved her. Yes it is there job but if it was up to them they would have saved her to allow those poor children to grow up with a mother. Her poor grieving huband, he did not look very upset in the photos of him at the funeral but i suppose he has his faith and god to turn to, i guess god will be getting up int he night to breast feed, cuddle, and generally nurture those children.

Victoria Harbourne, Shrewsbury, UK

There are only 4 million Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide if that.
8 Million EX-JW now

There are now twice as many former Jehovah's Witnesses as there are active ones with 13,000 leaving every month.

Sally Watson, Sidney, Australia

Another tragedy in the name of God!
Is it ever going to stop?
I do not think so. Not as long as religon is around replacing human power in transforming their own lives.
People cannot handle reality, so they are used and abused by the ones greedy for power.

Teresa, London

Teresa, London,

heY! Do you have any faith? Do you believe in God and in His Word? All of you...do you know what the Bible says? Or are you talking just like that? Shame on you! Why do you blame her? It was her decision! She`s an example for us! you know why? God`s principles was more important for her than her own life! I`m SURE God will appreciate this! So if you don`t have anything good to say, shut up! P.S.: please excuse my english. I speak english only a school.

Adina, Romania, Romania

What a disgusting belief system the Jehovah Witness “cult” is.

What can be gained by letting this woman die?

This dreadful practice should be outlawed, only “in the name of religion” would a young women be allowed to die when a routine medical procedure could have saved her life.

Words written in ancient books, by bronze age men who understood less about how the world works than a modern day ten year old child have no relevance in today's society.

Vic Evans, Stoke on Trent, UK

Emma was the most powerful woman. She sacrificed herself for God! In her eyes, her life wasn`t so precious as the Jehova`s word. Let God judge her! Let God appreciate her will! She`s was a strong woman.

PS: if you don`t have something smart to say, then shut up!
By the way...do you have any faith??? do you know what the Bible says???

Adina, baia mare, romania

Many Jehovah's Witnesses men,women and children die every year worldwide due to blood transfusion ban.Rank & file Jehovah's Witness are indoctrinated to be scared to death of blood.
FYI
1) JW's DO USE many parts aka 'fractions' aka components of blood,so if it's 'sacred' to God why the hypocritical contradiction flip-flop?

2) They USE blood collections that are donated by Red cross and others but don't donate back,more hypocrisy.

3) The Watchtower promotes and praises bloodless elective surgeries,this is a great advancement indeed.BUT it's no good to me if I am bleeding to death from a car crash and lose half my blood volume and need EMERGENCY blood transfusion.

Danny Haszard, Bangor Maine, usa

"Everyone is devastated by what has happened. We can't believe that she died after childbirth in this day and age, with all the technology there is."

I hear there is a technological advancement called 'blood transfusion', which might've helped.

gk, Norwich, norfolk

Don't knock on my door, I am blood donor. I give blood to save lives. God would always wish that and any religion saying otherwise, is fundamentally out-dated.

Davey, Birmingham, UK

The word of God is perfect. Most people who are say the are Christians rarely have knowledge beyond a Scripture or two which is a reflection of a superficial knowledge. Yet, they become experts of any and every situation through their opinion. In reality, all that does is satisfy their personal ego.

Jehovah's Witnesses are not only students of the Bible, but live their lives in accordance with Jehovah God's standards set forth in the Bible and in the example of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

No other persons who claim to be a Christian can take that stance before the only true Almighty God in Truth.

Today's religions are full of hypocresy, greed and Bible ignorance that support war, murder and nationalism. The clergy of these churches will be held reprehensible, accountable, by Jesus, the Son of Almighty God, Jehovah.

Skip Muller, Lakeland, USA/Florida

What a stupid thing to say: "We can't believe that she died after childbirth in this day and age, with all the technology there is."
The blood transfusion was the necessary technology. All technology is a gift from God and it is plain ungrateful to refuse to use it.

Rosie, Liverpool,

While we obviously feel for the family, is it not interesting that in each of these type of stories that the journalists can unequivocally state that the patient would have lived it they had blood. I wish there were more people like this on the earth that can tell be 100% for certainty that if I do this or that I will live or die. And that for a certainty that I will NOT get hepatitis, aids or any other number of blood borne disseisees from blood. Plus, if I do get sick afterward, I am sure that they will take care to me and mine for going along with them. No thanks! Not for me and mine.

bob, london, uk

This death is tragic. It highlights the problems of interpreting the bible (or the Koran for that matter) in the context of modern day life. I do not accept the bible as the word of god but accept that most of the key messages represent what were common sense rules for life two thousand years ago. Dealing specifically with the ‘prohibition’ regarding ‘consuming’ blood, I am sure this was written in the context of blood sacrifices, cannibalism or just plain violence. Extolling your followers not to spill blood unnecessarily seems common sense. To argue that our ability to use blood transfusions to preserve life is against god’s design is an insult to the foresight of ‘god’ in providing us with such a useful tool. Such primitive beliefs as these are beyond comprehension. If you believe in god then suerly you must believe that god gave us the ability to devise and benefit from such skills?

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge,

To refuse a life saving technique on the basis of a clearly misunderstood passage in the Bible, (Leviticus prohibits "eating blood") is plainly stupid.

The bronze age "prophets" who wrote the Bible could no more have envisaged blood transfusions than they could have imagined a spherical globe or a tin opener.

Dying for no reason is just plain dumb - the unfortunate motherless children will be told otherwise, sadly.

Patrick, Harrogate, UK

As I feared we have the usual anti-religious brigade strongly condemning this woman's actions. But I guess the same people support the death or shall I say the murder of millions of babies through abortion. Now abortion is a selfish and lazy action by those who don't bother to use contraception. Double standards at their worst!

Daniel Fernandes, Middle England, UK

'A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it' - Oscar Wilde

s, leeds,

This type of story is a sad reminder to us all that with the "correct" upbringing almost any of us would do the same. We can sit smugly and say when we read of suicide bombers, JWs, honor killings, vendettas, etc "how stupid, no way I would ever do that sort of thing", when the truth is that had we been raised in a culture where this was mainstream we would mostly be participating with gusto.

We should thank our lucky stars that on the whole we have not been exposed to these cultural influences, and that we live in comparatively gentle times.

Charles, Charlottesville,

with modern technologies it is possible to save a life withou blood transfusions but there are circumstances when even with blood you can't save somebody and even with the modern technologies people die.

The articule is not specific enough at what she had maybe she had something irreverseble

Daniel, Barendrecht , Netherlands

It's sad that such a sacrifice had to be made in vain. Jesus had already sacrificed it all for her. May God have mercy on this cult's leaders.

alex, derby, uk

Of course there's no 100% gaurantee that a blood transfusion would have saved her life but doctors are trained professionals and clearly this treatment would have been carried out in her best interests and probably would have saved her.

Her beliefs cost her her own life and her family are even more responsible. This case is tantamount to assisted suicide. The babies' lives will be ruined before they've even started all because of beliefs in a ridiculously outdated system. How on Earth can scribblings in an ancient book written by PEOPLE (not God!) be interpretted in terms of modern medical science?

Mike, Poole,

With respect to what Ana Maria (Romania) is claiming, no one is saying that a blood transfusion is without risk. However, given the probable circumstances it is entirely likely that any risk associated with a transfusion is substantially less than the risk associated without one. The woman in question died don't forget. So even, in the unlikely event, the transfusion had generated complications of its own, at least the young woman would have had some extra time with her new baby. It is also entirely likely that with a transfusion the woman would have gone on to lead an entirely normal life.I say that it is you who needs to be informed.

Religious beliefs aside, this woman (more correctly likely her husband) made the decision to die. He would have been informed that without a transfusion his wife is probably going to succumb quickly to the blood loss. He may also have been informed about the risks. Ultimately, for whatever reason, he made the wrong decision with respect to his baby.

Paul Ferry, Bristol,

If you do not accept a blood transfusion for whatever religious beliefs, knowing that this will lead to your death, is this not suicide? is suicide not a sin?

Whatever she believed this woman and her family thought it was more important to keep to their belief system than to save a human being and make sure these kids had a mother. So forget about religion, this was a selfish decision.How could God forgive a family for watching another human being die knowing there was a chance of saving her.

As a Muslim i don't understand how a blood transfusion is a bigger sin than leaving behind 2 babies?

Paris , Dubai, UAE

What is the point of living such a pure and undoubtedly god-fearing life if, at the most important point you throw it all away on a supremely stupid act? This is nothing less than suicide on her part. Those children will probably reject their religion when they fail to understand why the woman who everyone will tell them was so good and kind and true put her own death before their life. If she was a true mother and believer she would have accepted whatever her god had in store for her in the afterlife safe in the knowledge that her actions in life were for her children. She didn't, she chose to put herself first.

PSF, London, UK

Steve - Dunfermline.
It's not strange at all. The servicemen and women that have died in the line of duty have done so for the greater good - to preserve, or assist in preserving a way of life for millions of their fellow countrymen, including their own families and friends. What greater good has this woman's death achieved? She has orphaned two children, her husband is without a wife and her parents without a daughter.

Sally, london,

the tragedy for these children is not that they will grow up without a mother, but rather that they will grow up in the company of whackos.

even allowing for the the bible being man-made tosh, an interpretation of an injunction against consuming blood that includes transfusions is a human interpretation, not a directive from god.

all religion is a sick fantasy. the truth is that we don't know, we can only hope. and to kill yourself (or anyone else) on that basis is insane. common sense and a non-religious morality should be the primary focus - any worthwhile god would be happy with that approach. as if god is going to tell you to kill yourself. give yourself a hard slap, maybe.

jem, london, uk

Steve from Dunfermline: it's not so strange that we accept soldiers dying for our sake but are unforgiving of a woman who kills herself and denies her children their mother because of her religious beliefs. She was been fundamentally selfish and stupid, putting her own beliefs ahead of her family's needs - the soldiers are being selfless and sacrificing their lives for us.

Would your god really be happy that she has left her children motherless and made a widower of her husband - the grief goes on and on - because of some highly dubious piece of doctrinal nonsense? I would hope any sensible god would consider that wrong - and any god who doesn't isn't a god worth following.

Will Duffay, London,

It is utterly terrifying that a good proportion of people below believe there is something to be admired about dying for a set of dubious beliefs unquestioningly indoctrinated into you. Presumably these fools (as that is what they are) would also hail the bravery and steadfastness of a woman choosing to die along with her foetus in the event of an ectopic pregnancy.

There is nothing admirable about making decisions against the best interests of yourself and your family simply because you've been told it is a sin not to do so. These are not matters of personal conscience - these are directives from hierarchical organisations that are unquestioningly followed.

An individual told that god demands they smoke 100 cigarettes a day to ward off the devil - would their dedication to their instructions be admired when puffing away as soon as they come off the operating table for bronchial complications? Or would they be deluded, stupid and a danger to themselves?

Al, London,

This embodies everything that is wrong with religion. Old rules for old times. Adults believing in fairytales etc. Religion should be illegal until the age of 21, when peope can make up their own minds, not having been indoctrinated during youth. I wonder if the children will follow on in the faith that took their Mother's life?

David, London,

Was the girl conscious, and did SHE refuse the blood transfusion..??....was she aware that she would die.....just because she signed the form, was she given the chance to change her mind..?

In my view, this is an idiotic religious law and should be outlawed.......if Human Rights are to be upheld, then let Euthansia be allowed also, for those that are actually ill and can,t be helped....this girl COULD have been saved. Double standards I think.!!

Kevin Frain, Leeds,

"Peter Welsh, the best man at the couple's wedding on a beach in Barbados two years ago, told The Sun newspaper: "Everyone is devastated by what has happened. We can't believe that she died after childbirth in this day and age, with all the technology there is. "

Its Called a Blood transfusion and she said no. That is the technology around 'in this day and age' that would save her life and she said no.

I understand Faith is a very strong thing and people rule their lives by it but at the family of her, as that womans husband and father of their new born children, how can they let her die and watch those children grow up without a mother.
I find that much more sinful than taking blood.

Lucie, Macclesfield, England

Although Jehovah's Witnesses, as people, are generally sincere and decent people, they do not realise they are being deceived by their leaders. Despite the polished if eccentric public image, the reality is that this 'religion' is actually a destructive, mind control cult.

Yes, Emma Gough "ticked the box," and Paul Gillies (the religion's official UK spokesman) is giving interviews saying all Jehovah's Witnesses choose by themselves not to take blood: "Don't blame us, guv."

But the truth is that if the Watchtower Society (the religion's corporate headquarters) decided tomorrow that taking blood is acceptable, overnight six million JWs would suddenly also decide it's okay to have a transfusion. Free choice? Huh!

Individual JWs know if they dare go against the JW 'rules' they will be 'disassociated' and ostracised by their family and friends for the rest of their lives.

Ken, Edinburgh,

Its strange how we applaud if thousands of young men and women give up their lives for their country or to rescue others in peril but will not tolerate those who give up their lives for a religious belief.

Steve, Dunfermline, Scotland

Do you think God is rejoicing in heaven over the loss of this woman and the children that will grow up without her. NO - she made a wrong choice (I believe) but it is not Gods fault. Some things are forbidden by God but they are all things in our best interest. I believe that JWs interpret the bible wrongly, as do many religions but at the end of the day that was her choice to believe. God loves us and all he does is protect us, unfortunately many people use religion to put their own interpretation on his words - to start wars etc. This is not what he wants for us, he never wanted those children to grow up motherless. It is a twisted world we live in but don't blame God for the decisions we and others make, we have our own free will, we are not robots in his game. My heart goes out to those children, as a mother myself I feel from the very depths of my heart for them. I just hope as they grow up they find God themselves - not a religion that took their mum away forever.

Susie, Hove, UK

How could a well tought personal decision be so misunderstood ?SURLEY she and her family have done everything it was possible to save her life.Who could guarantee that receving blood, she would have lived ?What about all those people who die or have medical complications AFTER reciving blood.

I try to be as much informed as possible.Especially in the most important things.What about you all?
Do you know how many medical personnel especially doctors do not use blood transfusions for they and their family? But(at least in the nearest future) they will not make this a popular ideea, because at work they have to use blood every day. Blood transfusion is the easyest, cheapest and ancient way to deal with a complication, without to much effort and without any guarantees.
In all cases: common operationes or high risk interventions WITHOUT blood transfusions, are the high quality treatments.

Ana Maria, baia mare , romania

All religious people and organisations are to blame here. By perpetuating the ridiculous superstitious myths inherent all religions it gives a platform for these even more extreme variants of their 'faiths' to exist.

By basing one's decisions on a interpretation of a rather unpleasant and badly compiled book of bronze age myths is simply not a good idea. We see it demonstrated all around us every day, people pertaining to be "true Christians" hypocritically act appalled at the beliefs of this woman but do not register that they are so similar to their own that they are in fact giving a degree of credence to her mindbogglingly bad decisions.

Wake up people. Think for yourselves for 2 minutes and get over the religious mumbo jumbo that poisons your minds.

Barry, Newbury, Berks

What an egotistical, narcisistic God to ask his 'followers' to die for him and leave motherless children for the sake of symbolic loyalty. Absolutely disgusting. Live a good life, bring up your children with love and care, be a good person, and you will have done all that God will have asked of you.

With regards to the law, the rights of the children to be brought up with a mother over rules the right of the mother to refuse live saving treatment. Ridiculous.

J Lim, Singapore,

How many murder their own offspring by aborting them or sending them to war to die? A woman of great integrity!

Anna, Ontario, Canada

Two infant twins will never bond with their mother, never know a mother's milk, a mother's cuddle when they are distressed. They will grow up motherless. And less than human in consequence.

Did they get to choose this miserable apology for a religion, having had a chance to think about the alternatives and draw concusions for themselves?

May all JW's - including this suicidal woman and her "supportive" family rot in hell.

Steve Hill, Oxford, UK

See- superstition is dangerous!

Bay Given, Herts,

We live in a world that wants to deny every sadness, every bitter tragedy, by selling our souls if necessary. We moan at the lack of morals of all around us then decry those that show dedication and courage. I'll warrant that young woman was decent to the core, not stealing, lying, cheating, rather different to those making bitter, snide comments seen here.
I hope her family, including her two children are proud of having a mother that showed courage in the most difficult of circumstances. Remember that Hitler, Stalin and their thugs murdered these people for refusing to bend while all the backbiters and cowards went along with those vile regimes. This woman's actions were hewn from the stuff as those who wasted in concentration camps and gulags.
The denial of the courage of conviction is one of the great shames of our age.

Paul, Cusco, Peru

As a healthcare professional this dilema has often been a source of debate. Whilst my own personal belief is that all life is prescious and worthy of appropriate treatment when necessary to save that life there is also a need to understand that our own wishes and desires should not influence others. Regardless of religion, personal preference or just family influences choice is the utmost importance for every individual so long as the person making the decision has informed consent or has expressed their decision to their next of kin. Thank god that in this country every person can still choose their destiny if they believe in something strong enough not to be bullied by people who view their own opinion to be greater than others.

K bardley, Maldon, Essex

Pure Darwin: Non-survival of the thickest.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

As a Catholic I cannot understand the principles espoused by this tragic young woman, however I stand in admiration for someone who would lay down their life for their God. Unlike the terrorists that want to kill, she just stood firm for her beliefs. I feel very sorry for her young baby. One wonders what would be your own decision if faced with the choice between death or the betrayal of one's God. One would hope that that chalice was not offered. My prayers are with a brave woman, her baby and her brave family. We are all lessened by the loss of a good and brave woman. I am also saddened by the comments from those that have not the honour to understand that there are values that are worth dying for, even if we are only looking through a glass darkly.
AMDG

Peter Gallagher, Brisbane, Australia

I hope Jehovah is ashamed of himself.

Edwin Thornber, Bucharest,

Calm down, everybody!
The fact that JW say no to blood transfusion does not make Religion 'awful' or 'distasteful' or 'murderous'. Beliefs and rituals are valid when brought together to enhance Humanity and value the individual.
Atheists are the best witch hunters since the Spanish Inquisition. They cry 'down with Religion' the same way the inquisitor would cry 'burn the witch'.
C'mon guys, give us a break from fanatical atheism !

Nanda Giles, Surrey, UK

Mark from Manchester has very little knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith. Understandably so as he claims to be a atheist. Dont pass judgement on the Christian faith. Jehovah's Witnesses compromise in many ways. No one can follow every command of God and that is why we have Jesus our Saviour that through Him we can have our sins forgiven. As a human being, we are all sinners but of course that does not mean that we go and deliberately sin. l see the JWs are quite happy to live in a free land, so many soldeirs have sacrificed their lives so that we are not run by evil regime like Hitler and the likes of him. Of course no one wants a war but we do not live in a perfect world or la la land. We live in a world where we have to fight for justice and strangely for peace. Do you really think that God wants the twins to grow up without a mother? As a Christian l understand about being with our loved ones after this life but what a tragedy for the family.

Virginia, Brisbane, Australia

Sad, but at the same time, smashing! This is evolution in action.

No God, no Jesus, no Allah, no Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Simply those that live and those that die.

Foo, Edinburgh,

People on here are giving their own personal opinion based on their knowledge, so why can't this young woman hold her own beliefs based on her knowledge. You can't judge her or her family when you do not hold the same thoughts or beliefs. Some comments have been very harsh & very unfair. I send my condolences to the family.

Evan, Swansea, Wales

Tom,

........... you know what i don't know what to say to your comment. Quite frankly the stupidist thing i've heard in a long time and i've heard someone explain to me recently why a god needs angels.

Ben Andrews, Brisbane, Queensland

The Jehovah's Witness cult does not espouse an 'early version of Christianity'. They are not Christians at all.

Stephen , Wellington, NZ

I consider myself to be an athiest, however, as far as I can tell JWs are the only religion who actually follow what the Bible says. Such is their conviction that they feel to accept a transfusion would jeapordise their standing with God and therefore their future life. From this young lady's point of view, she was acting in the best interest of her family, as tragic as the outcome has proved to be. May I point out that these are the same people who will not abort a foetus at any stage and who will not under any circumstances take up arms. How many 'Christians' will gladly kill their fellow man, even fellow believers (women and children included) in war or in civil conflict. I find so-called 'Christians' who pick and choose which parts of the religion they want to follow so as to suit them the most hypocritical. Those who practice religion in this way should perhaps be a little more forgiving and those, as myself, who are not religious could be a little more understanding.

Mark, Manchester, UK

Er, I beg your pardon, did you say "Jehovah"s Witlesses"?

Piggy Kruger, Bridgwater, UK

Many people, including those in the military are willing to die for their beliefs.

This young mother deserves our praise for standing firm in her convictions.

According to her beliefs, she will see her children again in the resurrection. Had she accepted blood, she would have had to live with the knowledge that she would cease to exist after her earthly course. A case of delayed gratification - very unpopular in today's world.

Rose, Lakefield, Canada

What a tragedy for all involved but don't blame the doctors. They are required to respect the "competent" adult's wishes. Post-partum haemorrhage is still a major cause of maternal mortality internationally. Because the blood supply to the uterus has been so extensive during pregnancy, bleeding can be torrential and very difficult to control. For all but minor bleeding, patients will require blood products including red blood cells (the only part of blood which carries oxygen around one's body) as well as plasma +/- platelets which help the blood to clot better. There is no substitute for these.

Gill H, auckland, NZ

It just goes to show how stupid religion can make you.

alan, cologne,

Should the family of this woman not be charged under some law. Assisted suicide or something like that.

John, Ireland,

There is NO subsitute for blood, even 'in this day and age' and people die of blood loss everyday everywhere in the world, including America. Fresh frozen plasma is not a blood replacement product and the doctors will have done everything they could to save this womans life. But this woman needed blood and the only person who could have saved this woman was herself. She, unfortantly, signed her death certificate the moment she declined blood products. This a tragedy and I have a hard time accepting that any religion would few death as being preferable to a young womans life. And JW's wonder why they are mis-understood and ridiculed.

Victoria, Portsmouth, Hants

if you go in the army and a noob officer sends you in the first line of fire where you have 80-100% to die ,you do it for your country,don't you?You'll be a hero,bla bla bla
If your god tells you not to use blood(drink,transfusion,etc) you refuse,right?
Doesn't this make a man ,an officer superior to God himself?

Birle Daniel, Baia Mare, Romania

and all for a mythological fantasy.. truly tragic

ukhc, glasgow,

Very selfish from the family! Faith? And the children in all that.?? Now they're orphans for such a ridiculous thing.... I call it double crime : the death of the mother and the situation of the children. Shame on them.

Jade, reims,

Does anybody judge also the doctor's? Did they made ANYTHING possible to save her? Is it her faith to blame or maybe we reconsider the doctors procedures or maybe another hiden afection? Who said that blood is god for you? Since when blood transfusions are used in medicine? If she had accepted blood transfusion are you SO SHURE that she would live? Think verry well before you jump into conclusions

Tom West, London, UK

Shame she had to die because of someone else's literal interpretation of a text that was meant for a different time, for reasons which are largely moot today. When the bible was written, blood transfusions were not exactly a consideration of the (human) writer.

M. Maupin, London,

What about all those who have died horrible deaths from blood transfusions like Anita Roddick from the body shop that contracted hepatitis c after a blood transfusion and the Pope in 1981 became very ill after a blood transfusion. With these risks and the fact that a blood transfusion may not have saved her life anyway it amazes me that people are so quick to condemn her, her beliefs and her family. We should direct our efforts to consol the poor family members and not make judgements of facts we dont have.

DF, West Yorkshire,

What about the human rights of the children? Unfortunately if the woman had survived and the doctors were taken to court, people would have condemned the doctors' interference. But now that she's dead, we can all see that those children are the innocent victims. The mother may have got what she had coming for trying to read a modern meaning into an ancient text, but those children have to live with this for the rest of their lives. It's obscene.

Alex, London, UK,

She didn't die because of refusing a blood transfusion. She died because of loss of blood and unfortunately the doctors were unable to save her. Taking blood was never one of her chosen options.
She kept her own personal integrity
I respect her stand.

JG, London, Peckham

Another misguided fool who cannot see that God is created by man and not the other way round. If the father is a JW and believes the same then he is getting his just deserts, shame for the youngsters though, they are innocent but no doubt will have their minds corruped growing up.

Dave Madley, Poole, England

Religion claims yet another life!

M. Chat, London,

So does this mean that all JW are vegetarians then? What about the blood in steak, sausages, etc.?

Jules, Truro,

Those quotes above from the bible seem to refer moreso to cannabalism than anything else. Blood transfusions could not possible have been foreseen in the era the bible was written. It's absolutely ridiculous to interpret the bible with modern life in mind

Jay, London,

In my eyes this is murder and the family should be tried for it. I bet if there wasn't that 'family' pressure there that woman would be alive today.

absolutely disgusting

Julie, London,

I hope her family remain as brainwashed as they are at present or they will never forgive themselves. Religion and murder always go hand in hand but these stories are awful. What a waste.

Neil, Birmingham, U.K

I bet deliberately abandoning your children is a sin too. And I'm pretty sure Jesus pretty tough was praying on street-corners (ie religious showing-off) which is basically what this unecessary tragedy is.

alan, london,

Just ask one question.
Whats more important:
Your children, or your faith?

Matthew Powis, London, England

Blind stupidity is all powerful.

a warrington, UK,

This extremist doctrine about blood transfusion held by the Jehovah's Witnesses [as well as other such doctrines] in no way reflects Christianity. In true Christianity, blood is very important, as the Son of God shed His blood to save mankind. No true Christian will ever say that recieving a blood transmission is unbiblical.
It is a shame that adherence to this false doctrine has claimed one more life. I pray that those left behind will be able to make more informed decisions in their lifetime whenever they have to.
NT, Mitcham, London.

NT, London, UK

I absolutely cannot understand why, in this day and age, anyone should die because they refused to accept a blood transfusion. I have read here in the United States that there is now an artifical solution that can be used in place of whole blood in the case of someone that refuses to accept a blood transfusion. That would be the best solution to someone who is a Jehovah Witness. I have received a unit of fresh frozen plasma once and it did not cause me any problems. Perhaps that is what the doctors could have used in this case instead of whole blood.

sclaires, Florence, South Carolina, USA

I'm confused. This is horrible news. JWs are always telling me that with our technology we can saves lives without blood transfusions directly but obviously we cannot in all situations.

What a ridiculous doctrine. I've read their bible verses and none have ever made me think giving or accepting blood is wrong. It is a faulty interpretation of scripture. They always try and scare you with saying things like our ambivalence in regards to blood have led to AIDS and such but it is ridiculous to make these connections. Hell, maybe we should stop breathing oxygen because in an extremely slight way it actually contributes to cancer, in that it introduces it's oxidative effects into our bodies.

Rich, Edinburgh, UK

Yes, I'm sure her God would have rather she died.

I'm sure her kids will be delighted to know that their mother died after giving birth to them.

I do feel for the kids who will grow up without a mother but probably with the same ridiculous belief system.

Shame on her relations for not allowing the doctors to do their job and save her life.

f gordon, dublin,

What an act of selfishness to deprive the children of a parent because of some outdated belief when blood transfusion was not even an idea. It shows the awfulness of religion and how words written by man can be so distorted.

Frank Williams, Derby, England