High Court Orders Blood Transfusion for Baby Despite Mother's Religious Objection

The High Court has granted permission for an eight-month-old baby to receive a blood transfusion, despite the mother's religious objections as a Jehovah's Witness. The Health Service Executive (HSE) made an urgent application last month, citing a «real risk of death» for the baby, who was admitted to hospital with life-threatening anaemia due to acute splenic sequestration caused by sickle cell disease.

Medical staff and consultants testified that the baby's haemoglobin level was 5.6g/dl, below the international guideline of 6g/dl requiring immediate transfusion. They warned of significant deterioration, brain damage, multi-organ failure, or death without the treatment, stating there was «no alternative». A consultant paediatric haematologist noted adverse risks from transfusions were «vanishingly rare» in Ireland.

The mother expressed doubts about the baby's condition and concerns about potential complications. However, the judge accepted that without a transfusion, the baby would likely die. Maria Dillon, a solicitor appointed Guardian ad Litem, emphasized the urgency and that religious views should not prevent life-saving treatment.

The judge granted the HSE's application, allowing the transfusion and any necessary repeat transfusions, and ordered the baby to remain hospitalized until medically discharged. The judgment, published on Friday, confirmed the transfusion had occurred and the baby was «recovering well».