system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
I believe that despite religious beliefs, Jehovah's Witnesses children should be given blood transfusions if they are dying. CMV

I was talking to a friend about how hard being a doctor would be, and he asked me this: "What if a kid, about 12 years old, was dying, and the only way to keep him alive was to give him a blood transfusion, and he's a member of Jehova's witnesses? What if his parents would not let you do anything?"

My answer was that I would do whatever it takes to keep that kid alive, regardless of religious beliefs. I have a few reasons for this:

1. A child is not capable of making a decision at such a young age. They can't fully distinguish the full reality of death.

2. I don't think that religious belief trumps the right to life. This kid is going to die, but you'll allow that because he can go to heaven? I think that it's unfair to the child, and selfish of the parents.

3. A doctor's job is to save and treat people. Knowing that you could save a boy's life but can't due to one belief defeats the purpose of medicine.


I hope my arguments are good enough. If you have any questions please ask. And if you can, please, CMV.
gpt
In case you are wondering about law and/or medical ethics, a doctor can and must give a child lifesaving treatment regardless of the parents' wishes.  There are a few complexities about what counts as a child, but usually it's <18, and essentially every 12 year old would qualify.