Jehovah's Witness Transfused Without Consent: A Canadian Case

Abstract

Last year the Ontario High Court held a doctor liable in damages for giving an unconscious patient a life-saving blood transfusion. The patient carried a card stating that she was a Jehovah's Witness and the doctor saw the card before deciding to give her blood. The court held that though the doctor had acted promptly and professionally he was guilty of battery. The patient was awarded $Can 20 000 for "mental distress". No allowance seems to have been made by the Canadian Court for the priceless gift to the patient of her life.