Medical Law: Jehovah's Witnesses Cannot Refuse Blood Transfusion Supreme Court Rules

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled that the child of two devoted Jehovah’s Witness members can be given a blood transfusion despite religious objections from his parents. Details of the well considered ruling can be found in ESABUNOR & ANOR. vs. FAWEYA & ORS.(2019)LPELR-46961(SC) read full judgment here.

The case bordered on Medical Law and was between;

1. TEGA ESABUNOR
(Suing by his next friend Mrs. Rita Esabunor)
2. MRS. RITA ESABUNOR - Appellant(s)

AND

1. DR. TUNDE FAWEYA
2. CHEVRON NIGERIA LIMITED
3. SUPOL D. YAKUBU
4. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LAGOS STATE
5. M. OLOKOBA
(Chief Magistrate Grade 1 Lagos Magisterial District) - Respondent(s

The 1st appellant urgently needed blood transfusion.
The 2nd Appellant and her husband made it abundantly clear to the 1st respondent that on no account should their child (the 1st appellant) be given blood transfusion. Their reason being that it was against their religious beliefs.

The Justices of the Supreme Court concluded that a blood transfusion would be in the youngster’s best interests in spite of the “deeply held views” of his mother and father.