A 20-year-old man raised as a third-generation Jehovah’s Witness speaks about having to wait eight years for heart surgery due to his parents’ refusal of blood transfusions on Nov. 19. (Amane Shimazaki)

For eight years until he turned 18, a man raised as a third-generation Jehovah's Witness suffered because he couldn't have heart surgery due to his parents' refusal to allow a blood transfusion.

At age 10, he was diagnosed with atrial septal defect, a condition characterized by a hole in the heart, for which a doctor recommended surgery.

During physical education classes at school, he was the only one unable to run among all the students.

“I want to have the surgery if it will make me feel better,” he thought at the time.

The man, now 20, cooperated in a lawyers’ survey documenting abuse among the religious group.

He said when a doctor mentioned that he might need a blood transfusion in the event of an emergency during the surgery, his parents’ expressions changed.

The Jehovah's Witness faith teaches that God prohibits practices such as transfusions of whole blood as a medical treatment.

His parents firmly said, “We will not sign the consent form for a blood transfusion.”

During medical examinations, a follower, called a “medical institution liaison member,” also attended, explaining to the doctor the reasons for refusing blood transfusions, the man said.

His parents instructed him to state his refusal to have a transfusion.

He repeatedly practiced his “lines” in front of the hospital’s examination room. He then recited them exactly to the doctor: “I believe in the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, so I cannot undergo a blood transfusion.”

When he showed reluctance to adhere to the practice, in a show of defiance, his parents whipped him at home for lacking faith.

He was confronted with the harsh reality that doctrine was prioritized over the life of a child.

When he turned 18, the doctor told him that he could undergo surgery based on his own decision. He decided to do so.

He signed the consent form, along with a nurse who acted as a witness.

The surgery was successful, and ultimately, no blood transfusion was needed.

His health improved rapidly after the surgery.

Medical records of a former third-generation Jehovah’s Witness say that his "parents’ refusal of blood transfusions for religious reasons has become a hindrance.” He asked for the disclosure of the records from a hospital. (Amane Shimazaki)

“If only I could have had the surgery earlier. …,” he lamented, which he has long carried in frustration.

He cannot forgive his parents, but he felt even more anger toward the Jehovah's Witness faith, he said.

On Nov. 20, he spoke out during the Diet hearing conducted by the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

“I believe that there are many children who are still suffering due to the teachings of the religious group," the man said. “I would like you to extend a helping hand from the outside.”

Source Link: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15062966