General Chat

A young mother died after giving birth to twins because her Jehovah's Witness faith prevented her from accepting a blood transfusion, it has emerged.
Emma Gough, 22, from Telford, Shropshire, gave birth at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on 25 October.

Just hours later, complications set in - but because of Mrs Gough's faith, doctors were powerless to save her.

Terry Lovejoy, spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses in Telford, said: "We share the family's very real grief."


Mr Lovejoy, who is in contact with the family, said he didn't want to comment further until the full facts had emerged and a hospital review had taken place.

The twins, who are healthy, are being cared for by their father, Anthony Gough, 24.

As a blood donor it's best if I don't air my views on this.

There are alternatives that JW can have to a blood tranfusion,,,,,sad loss of a young life.........

What a waste of a young life and a shame for the babies left without a mum.

I will say no more on that subject.

Marion

To back up Claire, as another blood donor (in spite of a really bad needle phobia) I think it's so sad that this happened.

I just hope the church helps in the care for these two motherless children,its tragic.

I tried to be a blood donor but it took them so long to get it out of me they said it was a waste of time lol.

Marion

What a tragic waste of a young life. I wonder if her partner was also a JW.

I feel so sad for this young family, and for these children being bought up without a mother, my husband has been a blood donor for years and always encourages others to help if they can help.
I heard a young man pleading on LBC for people to come forward to help save the life of his young daughter who needs a bone marrow transplant.
And also to the messages from Gabby Logan as to how her life was saved after being given blood after the birth of her twins.
Carol

I am so sad for those two motherless babies. I respect anyone's belief but really cannot understand this aspect of this religion.

I had to receive many pints of blood at the end of a pregnancy about 33 years ago, because of a massive problem. I have always been grateful to those donors and have given back many times over, thankful for my life.

I originally typed more to this post, but decided to delete as it may have caused offence.

Relgious beliefs have a lot to answer for. No doubt the twins will have very strong opinions of this church when they are old enough to understand the reasons behind the death of their mother.

Hi Christine,
Only when its a child can they Over rule,in the case of an adult they have no power,which is very sad.

can never get me head round this Jehovas thing and blood in my opinion I think it's a bit selfish to leave 2 poor kids without a mum.
catherine
xx

It is not for me to question the individual's right to refuse treatment but I doubt if any God would want children to be motherless. I have donated both whole blood and platelets for almost 30 years and I'm still petrified of needles but if I can help anyone then I feel I should

Thanks for explaining Roxanne.....I was like Christine, in believing the Doctors could overrule...but I think, as you say....the last time this came up, it was with a minor....

I daren't type my opinion!


I do feel for those poor little babies!

well all i can say is,i hope her family are satisfied with themselves.surely her life is more important than any religion
how on earth a religious beleif can over ride someones life is beyond me.

from what i have read her family and her husbands family are all jehova witnesses.
such a pointless waste of a young life
may she rest in peace.

susie
x

Catherine. I agree with you. I went to school over 40yrs ago with a JW, and she was such a lonely little girl. Can't understand the faith, as I think if that's the way God meant it to be, then why do we have so many clever scientists and doctors who make remarkable discoveries to help with live threatening injuries and illnessess. These poor children will grow up not knowing their mother. It's a shame. I agree people are entitled to their religious beliefs.

Hi all, just popped in because I thought there would be a thread on this issue. I am not a Witness but have had some very good friends who are. They have told me loads (not preached at me) about their religion and I fully respect them. Who am I to know if they have the true religion or if someone else has. I know what I believe and I don't expect others to wholly agree, religion, I believe is an individual thing. It seems hard to understand how a person can want to die rather than live and look after their children but I think it takes great faith to see your beliefs through. Her husband and family are also witnesses and I believe the children will be greatly cared for and I also believe they will in time understand why their mother took this stand. My thoughts go out to all the family in their loss of such a beautiful young woman, who should be respected for her faith.
Are therre any Witnesses on this site, I wonder?
This message is not meant to stir up contraversy, just to express my sympathy and my understanding.
Janet
ps love to all as I don't come on here very often any more

My thoughts are with those poor children.
Religion has robbed them of a mother, although Im sure they will be told different as they grow up,

I wont say more as this will be an emotive subject for some on the board and the last time this religion was a topic for discussion it turned very nasty.

It still leaves me angry though..