This is interesting. On one hand, this case is a fluke. On the other hand, it's the first case where an adult could not get her medical wishes. While the facts are strange and may not apply again, the decision is unparalled. Roe v. Wade was a fluke, and look what happened. Cases appear to be "flukes" when the law is changing.
The lady lied on her initial application. For a JW, it's a SUPER big lie to claim "Roman Catholic" on an application. Geesh, that's really, really bad...almost a disfellowshipping offense there, I'd say.
The lady obviously is somewhere between a full, blown mental case (mutliple personalities) or a completely competant, smart, and savvy person with a lying tongue. Which one, I'll never know.
Who knows why the lady lied on her application. Perhaps she was without other JWs when she was admitted, and wanted a blood transfusion if anything went wrong? I know women have a "sixth sense/intuition" and perhaps something made her lie? So, for her privacy, she listed 'Roman Catholic.'
We know that she stated she was a Jehovah's Witness & refused blood, and (i remember another news report saying....) she was in with a "Friend" present to support her decision. At that moment in time, should the doctors have respected her decision? Or, does her past lie on an application automatically turn her into a basket case? Does the presence of other Friends bring into play that this woman could have been coerced for fear of disfellowshipping, etc. if she gleefully accepted blood?
One thing is certain, the Watchtower was behind this lawsuit. And, we all know that the Watchtower does not get involved with non-JWs. The same, old tired JW complaint of "assault and battery" are there. This is similar to the Emma case in England.
It is intersting that the judge used the word "misrepresentation" so many times in her decision.
I think this case is a HUGE break. It's another loss for the Watchtower on blood.
Skeeter