add

Tuesday 19 June 2018

How Far Would You Go To Save The Life Of The One You Love?

How far would you go to save the life of one you love?

Would you donate blood or an organ to save your child, partner, sibling or friend? If a loved one is at the point of death would you let your belief stop you from saving their life?

Let me tell you why I'm asking these questions.

The world blood donor day is June 14 and to mark the day we had a Haematologist discuss 'Voluntary Blood Donation' on the the Morning show - remember I am Co-Anchor of the Morning Show on Wazobia Max TV?

Today on the show we discussed the concluding part of the topic and I have learned certain things about blood donation viz:
1. Pregnant women, people under 18 years and those with chronic health conditions like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension etal should not give blood.
2. The average human has about 10 pints of blood and shouldn't donate more than 1 pint at a time, a later donation can be done after 3 months.
3. Men have a higher blood level than women - we involuntarily pass blood monthly via menstruation so go figure.

While we were fielding questions from viewers, a caller stated that her religion forbids blood transfusion as such we ought to educate people on ways to boost their blood so they wouldn't need transfusion instead of encouraging donation.

The doctor noted that she was sure the caller is a member of the Jehovah's Witness religious sect and stated that religious views are respected as such people who as a result of their beliefs refuse blood transfusion are not forced even in life threatening situations.
She added though that sometimes no matter what one eats in a bid to 'boost' their blood, they may have emergencies that would demand blood transfusion citing cases of people who lose blood in accidents and women who lose blood as a result of complications during delivery.

After the show I spoke to a colleague who is a member of the Jehovah's Witness sect seeking explanation for the law against blood transfusion and he explained that the law was put because blood is considered sacred.

After his explanation I asked if he would let his wife or child die if they need blood transfusion to stay alive.

"It's a matter of faith not my personal decision so I'd rather let them die than go against what I believe" he responded.

He cited the case of an ex who died after infected blood was transfused in her body. He had advised against transfusion but she had secretly asked that a transfusion be done as she didn't want to die. Unfortunately for her a blood that had not been properly screened was transfused to her and she got infected with AIDS.

She died 3 months later.

This experience strengthened his resolve to never allow blood transfusion for himself or family member.

I understand that certain experiences influence our opinions on issues but is it okay to let one experience form our opinion especially where life is involved?

This isn't to disrespect any faith but should we place religious beliefs over human life and vice versa?

Where do we draw the line between religion and humanity?

No comments:

Post a Comment