Unwanted Blood Saved 2 Lives

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30478, 27 June 1964, Page 2

Unwanted Blood Saved 2 Lives

f-V.2. Press Association—Copyright)

WESTWOOD (New Jersey), June 26.

Doctors said today an unwanted blood transfusion saved the life of a Jehovah’s Witness mother and her premature son, delivered by caesarian section last night in Pasack Valley Hospital, United Press International reported.

The woman 'was given a pint of blood during the delivery in spite of her objections.

The United States Supreme Court last week upheld a ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court that the rights of the unborn child of Mrs Wilimina Anderson . outweighed the religious objections of the mother.

Mrs Anderson, aged 29, and the 3 Jib boy, named Mitchell, were reported in good condition tonight at Pascack Valley Hospital. The baby was delivered one month prematurely. Hospital authorities obtained court permission for the blood transfusion- because they' said a complication of Mrs Anderson’s pregnancy might cause haemorrhaging which could have been fatal for her and the child. Mrs Anderson had refused "blood transfusions on grounds they were forbidden by her religious beliefs. ■ The State Supreme Court ordered Mrs Anderson last week to take the transfusions if they were necessary to save the life of her unborn child. A guardian, appointed to protect the interests of the child, gave the hospital permission to go ahead with the transfusions if they were necessary.