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AJWRB Hosts Exhibit at the 2000 American Anesthesiologists Conference
On October 14-17, 2000 AJWRB hosted an educational exhibit at the American Anesthesiologists Conference in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. The presentation was well received and we were asked to submit an article on the blood issue for the associations anesthesiology journal. The conference was well supported by AJWRB and eleven members were present for dinner on the Saturday night before the conference began
The focus of the exhibit was recent changes in the Watchtower’s blood policy. Four large new posters systematically explained the policy and AJWRB’s position. The posters were a stunning success. Doctors were attracted to the AJWRB booth and stayed to read the posters that offered helpful advice for anesthesiologists dealing with JW patients. 

Visitors to the exhibit quickly discerned that we represented a group of conscientious objectors to the Watchtower's official policies on blood. We received many positive comments and encouragement to continue our educational work. Some requested additional literature for their departments and even presentations for their staff.
 
The Moscone Center in San Francisco
Interestingly, some anesthesiologists revealed that up to half of their Jehovah’s Witness (JW) patients had been willing to re-evaluate their position on blood when a private conference was held with them. This was especially true of younger JWs who frequently expressed their desire to live and willingness to accept blood treatments if necessary and if kept confidential. This seems to confirm our belief that there is wide spread dissent and dwindling support for the WTS blood policy among JWs.

Doctors expressed frustration with Jehovah’s Witness patients who treat them with suspicion and condescension. Some indicated that JWs seem to believe that doctors are incompetent or ignorant regarding blood loss conservation techniques and use donor blood frivolously. The doctors we spoke with assured us that they only use blood when absolutely necessary, especially since donor blood is frequently in short supply.
 
Entrance to exhibit area - this was a very large conference with thousands of anesthesiologists from around the world.
One anesthesiologist stated that he was quite willing to use non blood volume expanders, but was frustrated that many JW patients were unprepared for surgery and had not raised their hematocrit levels, even though they had weeks of advance notice. He said that it was unconscionable that a 70 year old JW woman would come in for a scheduled surgery with a low hematocrit level and expect them to use only bloodless techniques. He felt very strongly that local JW elders should monitor the hemoglobin levels of their congregation members as a preparatory measure for possible unexpected surgery, and diligently remind them to build up their blood iron...anything less would be "pastoral malpractice", especially among the elderly members – in his view.
AJWRB members pictured with Dr. Muramoto, medical consultant to AJWRB, and Wayne Rogers - Public Affairs Director for AJWRB. The identity of other members has been altered to protect them from retaliation from the Watchtower Society and member congregations - judicial action that would cause them to be shunned by their Jehovah's Witness family members.
One woman who demonstrates the proper use of the “Cell Saver” machine was very perplexed by the demands of JW patients and HLC members. The device requires a certain amount of blood volume in the machine before the patients' blood can be re-infused. There are places where the tube needs to be clamped off in order to prevent premature re-infusion. She stated that JW patients give her much grief over these clamps, claiming that they equate to "storage" of the blood, and interruption of the blood flow. For JW patients, she must resort to removing the “God-disapproved clamps”, and lowering the bag so that gravity keeps the blood in the machine until the appropriate time. She expressed deep concern that this modified technique introduces the risk of air entering the system.

This was a large medical conference with doctors attending from many countries. Many of them seemed relieved to be able to relate and discuss tragic cases involving Jehovah’s Witness patients they had treated and in many cases lost. Nearly all agreed that the introduction of hemoglobin based blood substitutes is nearly certain to save many JW lives in the near future. Quite a few were quick to comment on the many contradictions of the current policy and expressed appreciation for the work of AJWRB.