I know that in many jurisdictions, Jehovah's Witnesses have the right to deny blood transfusions to their children.
Here in Victoria that's not the case:
Under section 24 of the Victorian Human Tissue Act 1982, a medical practitioner can
lawfully administer a blood transfusion to a child without parental consent if, in the
opinion of the medical practitioner: a) A blood transfusion is a reasonable and proper
treatment for the condition from which the child is suffering; b) Without a blood
transfusion the child is likely to die, and c) A second medical practitioner concurs
with that opinion.
In the event that a child is not 'likely to die' but two medical practitioners (including
at least one Consultant) believe that the child is likely to suffer serious and permanent
damage if a blood transfusion is not performed, the hospital would support a clinical
decision to transfuse without parental consent on the basis that this would be their
ethical duty.
Here in Victoria that's not the case:
Under section 24 of the Victorian Human Tissue Act 1982, a medical practitioner can
lawfully administer a blood transfusion to a child without parental consent if, in the
opinion of the medical practitioner: a) A blood transfusion is a reasonable and proper
treatment for the condition from which the child is suffering; b) Without a blood
transfusion the child is likely to die, and c) A second medical practitioner concurs
with that opinion.
In the event that a child is not 'likely to die' but two medical practitioners (including
at least one Consultant) believe that the child is likely to suffer serious and permanent
damage if a blood transfusion is not performed, the hospital would support a clinical
decision to transfuse without parental consent on the basis that this would be their
ethical duty.
I'm a creationist; I believe that man created God.