The McGill University Health Centre has been authorized to perform blood transfusions to treat a 14-year-old girl with cancer, despite her refusal because it goes against her beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness. It can, however, require blood transfusions, which are forbidden under Jehovah's Witness doctrine. Her doctor, aware the teen and her mother were opposed to a transfusion, tried to avoid having to give one. "I am therefore asking the court to give us permission to transfuse X blood products if needed to [treat] any life threatening drop in her blood counts." The Supreme Court has repeatedly examined the right of Jehovah's Witnesses to refuse blood transfusions.

Source: CBC News September 21, 2017 13:53 UTC