His feel that Jws have “been vindicated” by the stand on blood - HIV , CJD , hepatitis etc. They feel that the HLC / HIS / PVG program has been an outstanding success in “informing & educating” the healthcare profession. They feel the trend towards “No Blood” medicine is unstoppable and that blood transfusions as we know will be rapidly phased out over the next decade
As per usual, those high up in the Organization can't see past the wart on the end of their noses. There is no doubt that the WTS has been an instrument in pressuring hospitals to try alternatives to blood transfusion, and it certainly has been with a measure of success. However, there is still no substitute for real blood when oxygen is urgently needed in the body, as in the case of the sextuplets. Modern medicine is always moving forward and if they can eventually find a substitute that works as well as real blood, then I think that would be fantastic. In the meantime, when a blood transfusion IS the only thing that will save someone's life, then it should be allowed plain and simple.
My observations - there is no pressure on the WTS to reform - the medical profession has bailed them out.
I wouldn't say the same thing applies here in Canada. The very idea that any parents would rather let their babies die than accept an available treatment that would save their lives, at the behest of their religion, has really struck a cord in the hearts of Canadians. They are shocked, disgusted and furious that this is happening and I don't think those at the Canadian Bethel are feeling so smug and compliant right about now. If there's one thing the WTS hates, is having a worldly light shining on their insane doctrines and giving them a bad name.
Rather than regarding the “stand on blood” as an “achilles heel” , the WTS figure that the policy is extremely positive. It differentiates Jws from all other religions as a unique doctrine - a USP , if you like. Any difficulties contribute towards a sense of martyrdom and persecution.
Yes, I'm sure the fundamental terrorists on board Flight 175 thought the exact same thing just before they crashed the plane into the World Trade Center. Being "different" doesn't mean being "right"; a concept the Governing Body and their legal cronies don't seem to get.
There is certainly a difference in culture between the UK & USA , probably because the USA health professionals are more “customer focused” and keen to meet the needs and requirements of patients whereas Britain has a centrally organised , publicly owned and funded NHS system which is more intent on protecting the vested interests of healthcare workers.
That's basically the position here in Canada. Since we too have a publically funded health care system, the doctors don't give a damn about being "customer focused" at the expense of a child's life. The most embarassing thing for the Society right now is the comments from a Professor of Religion and others who have come out and said that the scriptures they use to back up the "no-blood" doctrine, are simply talking about handling procedures of a dead animal, not a live human. After all, if too many Witnesses read that, it might make them stop to think that many the Governing Body is wrong.
The WTS may "feel" secure in their decisions, but that comes from living in an isolated enviroment. They were pretty smug and secure in their pedophile policy too up until a few years ago. Funny, I don't recall the first century Christian congregation worrying about hiding their assets from potential lawsuits, or having a Legal department or a Public Relations department....hell, I don't even think the Pharisees had that. Just one more indication that this cult has more in common with Satan, than it does with Jesus.
