Posted by Liberal Elder [TheLiberalElder] on November 29, 1999 at 16:37:54 {DGglKT6Uj23RTTYCED4sw1IXqCKa5s}:
I just finished reading the January 8, 2000 Awake. On the front cover, purportedly, is an orthopedic surgeon from England and the title is: "Bloodless Medicine and Surgery - The Growing Demand."
Do you think we have their attention?
Inside we find the usual WTS presentation of all the facts, half truths, and downright misrepresentation
designed to lull the friends into thinking that the WTS policy is not only scripturally correct but downright wonderful. So wonderful in fact that everyone wants bloodless medicine! (oops this doesn't quite agree with the fact that 3 million patients have tranfusions of 11 million units of packed red cells - p.6)
Here's a brief review:
The first article is entitled "Pioneers in Medicine" and briefly tells the story of one Witness who successfully had a liver transplant without blood.
That's great! No mention, however, of the 61% of Witnesses who died when their pre-operative hemoglobin fell below 6. As Professor of Anesthesiology John Doyle has pointed out:
"Patients who refuse a blood transfusion deemed absolutely medically necessary by a physician put themselves at risk of dying from severe anemia. For example Carson et al. (Lancet 1988; 1: 727) studied 125 surgical patients who were Jehovah's Witnesses and thus refused blood transfusion. It was found that over 60% of patients whose preoperative hemoglobin fell below 6 g/dl died following the surgery."
Still we rejoice that advanced bloodless techniques can save some lives that would be otherwise lost.
The second article is entitled: "Blood Transfusions - A Long History of Controversy"
Here we find three more pages of WTS propaganda designed to "demonize" the use of blood. Awake
fails to mention the Witnesses who contracted AIDS when accepting WTS approved/permitted plasma
derivatives. It does concede, however, that AIDS is rare in developed nations. About three cases a year
in the U.S. "Very rare" would have been a more accurate description.
The next article is entitled: "The Growing Demand for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery."
Here we find a series of quotes from various physicians that Awake apparently interviewed. You can be assured, however, that we are looking at carefully edited textual "sound bites" that have been selected to make the average Witness believe that there is no need for blood transfusions.
Here's an interesting quote from a Dr. Alex Zapolanski of San Francisco:
"Blood transfusion are basically no good...."
Where do they come up with these people? Dr. Zapolanski, on what planet did you attend medical school?
On page 8 and 9 there are some nice illustrations of non-blood methods. Now if we can just get old time Witnesses to accept all of them. I can't help but think of Sister Geonopulous(?) of San Antonio who was featured on the TLC program and ended up dying, probably because she refused blood salvage.
Bravo brothers! Thank you putting this picture in the article. A picture of hemodilution would have been useful as well, but perhaps you felt that that was more than the friends could handle at this time. Here is how this WTS approved/permitted "bloodless" technique works:
"During the surgery doctors use Blood Aspiration with Automatic Anticoagulant Mixing, and the blood is collected into a Blood Reservoir. It is then drained by gravity into the Blood Bag, and stored in a lowered position until it is filled. When the Blood Bag is filled, it is raised to the top of the assembly, and the blood is reinfused. Although it is hard to see the blood as still being a part of the circulatory system, the brothers accept the procedure once they are told that the Society has approved of its use, and that it does not violate any scriptural principles." (Quote from The H.L.C. Perspective)
For those tuned into God's word, you'll note that all discussion of the Bible is relegated to one footnote
on page nine. Then again most Witnesses these days aren't really that interested in the Bible anyway, they have the WTS to take care of that deep stuff.
Sadly lacking from the discussion on page 10 and 11 are comments and interviews from emergency physicians, trauma surgeons and pediatric oncologists. Of course, these are the doctors who actually get to watch most Witnesses die when the choose or are coerced into supporting the WTS ridiculous blood policy.
Page 11 briefly alludes to the fact that Witnesses have served as the guinea pigs that have made so much of this bloodless medicine advancement possible. I wonder if the thousands of Witness families that have buried loved ones over this issue, like mine, realize how they have been blessed.
I wish that I had more positive to say about this masterpiece. The truth of the matter is that it makes we want to hurl. Don't get me wrong, I'm the first to seek bloodless care if it is advisable. My wife had major surgery in 1995 without blood. That was our preference. Make no mistake about it, however, there are limits to bloodless surgery. It has a place but it cannot be used in all situations effectively. The WTS knows this but chooses to lead the friends like a lamb to the slaughter.
To those in Brooklyn I can only say that I am sickened by your gross disregard for life, especially with respects to Witness children. I can only read this article as further entrenchment on your part. If that's the way it has to be then fine. We will simply take this to the next level and keep hoping and praying that you come to your senses.
To those who are unfamiliar with the issues, you are invited to learn the truth about blood transfusions including those the WTS has approved/permits. Take the time to educate yourself with the important information available at the link below.
In His Love,
Lee Elder
Director, AJWRB