Durban court orders blood transfusion for Jehovah's Witness girl: report

07 June 2014 - 12:33 By Sapa
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Blood donor. File photo.
Blood donor. File photo.
Image: Lebohang Nthongoa

The Durban High Court granted permission for a doctor to give a blood transfusion to a 10-year-old Jehovah's Witness girl, according to report.

The Saturday Star reported that Dr Monica Vaithilingum a paediatric haematologist approached the Centre for Child Law in Pretoria after the girl's parents refused to give permission for a blood transfusion because of their faith.

The child was diagnosed in February with a life threatening autoimmune disease.

She was anaemic and had a bleeding disorder.

According to the doctor, blood and platelet transfusion was essential to stabilise the child and start treatment, the newspaper reported.

The girl's condition improved dramatically after she received the treatment.

"I felt duty-bound to act, without disrespecting the religious beliefs of the parents. I just did what I needed to do," Vaithilingum was quoted as saying.

The Centre for Child Law instructed an advocate to seek permission from the Durban High Court on Thursday evening.

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