03-01-2007, 01:24 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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Hello,
I have been reading information from different sources and have quoted from various...
The synthetic product to which Ruge referred is recombinant human erythropoietin, which is not used routinely because of some concerns about potential complications but it is used in extenuating circumstances. In some circumstances, it helps the body to produce red cells earlier. A study done at B.C. Children's Hospital in 1995 found the product had only a modest impact on anemia in premature babies and that some babies would still require conventional blood transfusions. Transfusions are still a required intervention in many premature infants.>
So, the bible obviously says nothing about high-tech fertility treatments….but the couple were educated in IVF (in vitro fertilization) and made a personal decision to pursue. They were aware that multifetal pregnancy reduction may be required and the odds were against the delivery of six healthy babies. Half of babies born at 24 or 25 weeks will die in hospital, and many of the survivors will have severe lifelong handicaps. Doctors said the mother could abort some of the fetuses at 12 weeks to give the remainder a better chance of life and health. She was offered the option again at 18 weeks. Later, she was given the opportunity not to have the babies resuscitated at birth. Each time she refused.
"As Jehovah's Witnesses," said the father, "we believe that to have aborted any of our sextuplets would be a profound disregard for life and violation of God's law."
I conclude that the Watchtower organization teaching is to make your own personal decision about IVF but no abortion and no blood transfusions. It is very difficult for me to understand why this couple made the decision to use IVF therapy and then did not follow through with the requirements?
According to Timothy Rowe, head of the infertility division at the University of British Columbia, all but two babies are usually aborted when infertility treatments result in three or more fetuses. This is done to safeguard the health and survival of the two remaining fetuses. The procedure is called a "multifetal pregnancy reduction," and it is usually carried out at about 10 or 11 weeks.>
Why did the JW couple request their confidentiality but announce to the press nationally that they were Jehovah's Witnesses? Does this state that they do not have the ability to make informed decisions? The parents may want to accept blood or blood products for their babies but refuse because of fear of social and religious effects of such a choice. Is it possible that the couple welcomed the intervention of the legal system? The WTS does not require JWs to shun members who have received a transfusion under court order. Regardless, religious freedom does not include the right to deny life saving medical treatment (2007) to a child.
fertility
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