Problem
Case Study
Joshua, 39, and Esther, 36, are devout Jehovah Witnesses. One day, their son Daniel, age 13, was hit by a car and was taken to the emergency room. Due to the severity of the accident, Daniel lost a lot of blood and required a blood transfusion. The doctor overseeing Daniel's surgery advised that a blood transfusion was necessary, but Joshua stated repeatedly, "our Bible commands us from abstaining from blood", "God views blood as representing life so we need to avoid taking blood as a way to obey God". The doctor repeatedly responded that Daniel might die if he does not receive blood transfusion.
Joshua and Esther are meeting with you [the health social worker] to discuss what would be the best way to resolve this dilemma.
• What/how would you assess the situation?
• What might be the best solution?