NoBlood

You may have many questions concerning your options in a medical crisis. It may seem as though there are no possibilities available. Below are some frequently asked questions that others have posed. The answers provided may help you as well.

Are there any realistic options available to avoid blood in a medical emergency?

Yes there are. The Medical Considerations listing in the Emergency section covers many of the medical topics in the area of emergency resuscitation. Many of the basic areas of emergency resuscitation are applicable for nonblood therapy as well. You may wish to review this material and perhaps keep a copy with your important records.

Why do you have so much discussion of legal forms and issues in the Emergency section?

Surprisingly, many instances of blood transfusions forced on an adult in an emergency result from a lack of proper identification. See the Advanced Medical Directive listing in the Emergency section for a discussion of why this is so.

What options are available for children in an emergency?

Children have many of the same options as adults do in an emergency. Their younger bodies are better at surviving the initial medical crisis and thus recover faster. However, in children, there are laws in effect in most countries that place the government of that country as the ultimate authority as to children's health-care options. Thus, the right to choose therapies in an emergency may be taken away from the family. State and federal law may impose limitations on the ability to withhold or withdraw blood transfusions or blood therapy from minors, particularly in life-threatening situations. The only difference is the question of mature minor status.

What is mature minor principle?

The mature minor principle is based on the British Common Law, which places a level of responsibility for making decisions on adolescents from 14 years of age, and up. This is also the principle that is invoked when a minor is tried as an adult for committing criminal acts. The decision for declaring mature minor status to an adolescent varies from place to place; however, it is typically granted only to those who can readily express their wishes in a grown-up manner. Children cannot do this unless they fully understand the issues involved and have been trained to express themselves clearly.

What do each of the legal forms do?

All of the legal forms that are available for preparing ones to express their desires on medical treatment are discussed here. Please look at the appropriate listing in the Emergency section for the form that you have questions on.

Why are there no forms on NoBlood!?

Each state of the United States has a different set of laws that regulate many of these forms. This is also true for different countries around the globe. For this reason we have not posted such forms. However, we are working with our editors and legal consultants to determine if there may be some basic forms that can be prepared in this regard. Keep a close eye on NoBlood! for any changes.

Can I obtain legal counsel from this site?

No. We do not provide legal counsel. Please contact a lawyer or other legal representative locally.

Is this information applicable for Jehovah's Witnesses?

Yes. We do not provide this information only for Jehovah's Witnesses, but we provide it for all those who are interested in obtaining medical care without the fear of receiving a blood transfusion. However, much of this information is applicable for the patient who is a Witness. The Witnesses have many resources available to help their members within their organization.
See Also: Watchtower