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Description
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is against God's will to receive blood from someone else, or to tamper with their own blood, influencing them to deny blood transfusions for themselves and for their children. Since minors are legally not allowed to make healthcare decisions on their own until they reach 18 years of age, this decision made by the parents to deny transfusions on the pediatric patient's behalf may create significant emotional and psychological challenges, potentially influencing family dynamics, mental health, and overall well-being. Understanding these effects, especially for the pediatric patient, is crucial for healthcare providers, social workers, and support organizations in providing holistic care to families navigating such medical and religious conflicts since there is limited research on this issue.
Department
Nursing
Publication Date
2025
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
Dominican University of California
City
San Rafael, CA
Keywords
Jehovah's Witness, Blood Transfusions, Mental Health, Psychological Effects
Disciplines
Nursing | Other Psychiatry and Psychology | Pediatric Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Included in
Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Pediatric Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons