Blood transfusion and Jehovah's Witnesses revisited: Implications for surgeons

The refusal of blood transfusion and blood products is becoming more common. Jehovah's Witnesses are notably known to be deeply convicted in this doctrine. Doctors are bound in their practice by codes of ethics as to their professional conduct. When it comes to lifesaving situations where transfusion is absolutely needed, a conflict arises between the doctor's professional duty to save lives and the right of autonomy of the patient to his body. This article discusses the background of this conflict, suggested solutions, the legal precedents and how the authorities can help to handle this difficult dilemma for the frontline clinician, with specific reference to the existing situation in Hong Kong.