HSE secures order to give transfusions to anaemic twins
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The High Court has granted the HSE an order allowing it to give severely anaemic twins a blood transfusion when they are born if necessary.
Their Irish parents, who are Jehovah's Witnesses, had objected to the transfusion on religious grounds.
A letter written by the pregnant mother was read out to Ms Justice Mary Laffoy at the High Court today.
She outlined that, due to her scriptural beliefs, she could not consent to her children receiving blood products.
However, she went on to say that she understood the seriousness of her children's condition and would not interfere with the court's decision.
She also expressed a wish that blood products would be used by the medical team only as a last resort.