Blood-associated symbols, and blood transfusion in Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are reformist Christians though definitely aside from other Christian believers; they are occasionally considered belonging to a sect. One of their main characteristics is their absolute refusal of blood transfusion of homologous labile blood components. This rebuttal is literally based on a strict reading of the Holy Bible. This essay will attempt to set up the rationale for Jehovah's Witnesses against transfusion after a non interpretative reading of the Bible; to achieve this goal, an issue will be briefly made on the symbols associated to blood -and especially symbols linked to religion- for Christians other than Jehovah's Witnesses and then, for Jehovah's Witnesses. Rebuttal of transfusion by Jehovah's Witnesses often generates conflicts in hospitals and clinics worldwide, but a strong survey of blood transfusion practices is also made in parallel by a dedicated network of physicians and Lawyers belonging to Jehovah's witnesses' boards. This essay will present the fundamentals of this Christian obedience refusing - at large- consumption of blood including by means of transfusion. It will also present the difficulties faced by heath professionals having a Jehovah's witness patient or relative patient in charge for medical of surgical treatment. In France, the so-called 2002 "Kouchner" Law, as well as the so-called 2004 "Leonetti" Law, have modified the relationships of health care practitioners and Jehovah's witnesses.