Posted by Believer [Erie] on March 31, 1999 at 16:08:11 {ohFII14TUcsVBaJLukIQqoHxpYU4zY}:
In Reply to: Blood and Medicine posted by ros on March 31, 1999 at 12:31:50:
You said:
>Is there any basis for this claim other than propaganda from the Watchtower Society?
My experiences with HLC persons tell me that there is an unfortunately high degree of arrogance on the part of many of them and his arrogance starts with the Society and trickles down to them. Naturally, the Society wants to think that they are �pioneers� of bloodless medicine and surgery. The society�s framework of reference has long been that the AMA, MDs and other main stream medical practitioners are basically evil. Their campaign against blood fits right into this framework. That is why they can harp on all of the detrimental side effects of blood therapy and are believed. Many JWs can recite several bad outcomes associated with blood therapy, but are hard pressed to think of any good and necessary uses of blood therapy. The JW is conditioned to believe that much of what MDs offer is bad.
>It is my understanding that disease transmission (such as Hepatitis and AIDS) is essentially what has driven the medical community to seek safe and viable alternatives for bloodless surgery.
You are exactly right. In my experience of observing many physicians, they are motivated by what they see in their every day practice. So, in the rare instance where a physician�s practice was centered on mostly JWs, he/she might very well be motivated to find alternatives for these patients. For most physicians and surgeons there are many other problems that vie for their attention and these depend upon their individual practice. Cures and improved palliative care techniques for cancer, heart disease, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, arthritis and many others that we have not even heard of face concerned physicians every day. JWs who refuse certain standard modes of care are not high on the concern list of many physicians (although there are those physicians who will �stick their neck out� for JWs and others with special needs).
>(A separate issue from sudden loss of blood in an emergency situation.)
You are quite correct here; ER physicians and trauma surgeons face the JW problem more often than internists for example, with the possible exception of oncologists.
>While it is quite likely and JW patients--among others--may have provided human guinea pigs for developing bloodless procedures and techniques, it is highly doubtful imo that any significant effort in this area of medicine is being prompted primarily by the Watchtower's doctrine. For just one example, it is well known that there is significant research to find alternatives for insulin injection for diabetics. Medical research is in the business of researching every kind of treatment to minimize risk.
Excellent point.
>Is there any credible evidence or references to support the claim that medical advancement in the area of blood alternatives is driven by the Watchtower religion? Or this just another indulgence in self flattery to boost confidence in their flock?
I am not aware of any. Perhaps Dr Muramoto knows the answer. Have you inquired of him?
Regards,
Believer