A group of lawyers who support former members of the religious group "Jehovah's Witnesses" visited the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on the 27th and said, "The religious group instructs children to refuse blood transfusions," and there is a possibility of child abuse. I complained that there was

"Jehovah's Witnesses" say "contrary to the facts."

I visited a defense team that supports former believers and second generations of 'Jehovah's Witnesses'.



As a result of interviewing about 100 people, including former believers, there was a believer who said, ``I was instructed by the leader of the cult to refuse blood transfusions for children,'' and as a child, ``I was whipped by my parents. There were multiple testimonies such as



In a notice issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to local governments nationwide in December last year, not allowing a person to receive medical treatment such as a blood transfusion that a doctor deems necessary falls under neglect, and assault such as hitting with a whip. Adding was considered physical abuse.



Kotaro Tanaka, a lawyer from the Jehovah's Witnesses Problem Support Lawyers, said, "The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare staff fully understood the problem and responded with interest. I was able to confirm it and had a fruitful talk."



The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare commented, "We would like to consider the future response after carefully examining the content of the provided information."



"Jehovah's Witnesses," on the other hand, said, "We are heartbroken by the distorted reports and false conclusions based solely on the comments of former officials who are dissatisfied with the organization. The opinion of those involved runs counter to the fact that Jehovah's Witness parents want the best for their children, and religious reasons are the main reason they do not accept blood transfusions. Choices are personal and family decisions that should be made in a well-discussed manner."

Active executives testify about “non-blood transfusion guidance”

A man who serves as an executive in a local organization of the cult responded to the interview anonymously, saying, ``I had a suspicion that the cult's guidance deviates from ethics.''

The man showed an internal document that the sect still uses to teach, saying, "Parents must make a firm commitment to 'avoid blood' and refuse blood transfusions for their children." I complained that I was being abused.



He also testified that he showed an "identification card" that said, "I wish for non-blood treatment," along with a space to fill in the child's name and address, and gave it to the parent.



Then, regarding the refusal of blood transfusions, he said, ``In addition to the heavy penalties, including excommunication, for accepting blood transfusions, people who have quit the sect are basically prohibited from making any friends, even if they are family members. For this reason, believers basically have no option to accept blood transfusions, and the environment is such that even children who have not become believers are forced to teach.”

Guidelines for conference presentations

In 2008, the Japanese Society of Blood Transfusion and Cell Therapy announced the Guidelines for Religious Refusal of Blood Transfusion. We will strive to be able to do so, and we will do bloodless treatment as much as possible, but if blood transfusion is finally necessary, we will do it.”