Question

A 36-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with capacity presents with life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage but is currently stable. She clearly refuses blood transfusion after being fully informed of the risks. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect her refusal and optimise all non-blood strategies while monitoring closely.

Answer

Administer blood transfusion covertly because her life is at risk.

Answer

Ignore her wishes as relatives request transfusion.

Answer

Apply to the court of protection for permission to transfuse immediately in all such cases.

Answer

Detain her under the Mental Health Act to allow transfusion.

Practice question

A 36-year-old Jehovah’s Witness with capacity presents with life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage but is currently stable. She clearly refuses blood transfusion after being fully informed of the risks. What is the most appropriate course of action?