Case of Bernice Mettack[1]
Adolescent Refusing Blood Transfusion Against the Wishes of His Parents
Bernice is a bright, thoughtful and outgoing 17-year-old
female. When she was 15, she became a
Jehovah’s Witness, despite her family’s skepticism. She has been a committed and faithful member
of the church since her conversion. At
age 17, Bernice is diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia, an autoimmune
disease that interferes with the blood’s ability to clot. As a result, Bernice’s immune system is
attacking its own platelets, causing a low platelet count. For the first couple weeks, physicians treat
Bernice’s disease with corticosteroids, which slow platelet destruction. However, her condition continues to worsen
and doctors decide a blood and platelet transfusion is the most effective mode
of treatment. Bernice’s parents agree to
the transfusion, but Bernice adamantly objects claiming that if she accepts
blood products she will be forfeiting eternal life. The medication alone is expected to be 35%
effective at treating Bernice’s thrombocytopenia effectively, with minimal side
effects. The blood transfusion is
expected to be 90% effective at treating Bernice’s disease, with minimal side
effects.
Should the physicians
follow Bernice, and treat her only using medication, or should they follow her
parents and force Bernice to receive a blood transfusion, against her
considered wishes?
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