Rosa Edelmira Pindo Mulla, an Ecuadorian living in Spain, filed a case against her country with the European Court of Human Rights, claiming that she was given a blood transfusion against her religious convictions while undergoing surgery. The case has become a hotly contested legal battle that has garnered attention from around the globe.
a stock photo showing a patient getting blood transfusion. Hemophilia B patients are treated with clotting factor IX infusions on a regular basis.
Devout Jehovah’s Witness Pindo Mulla alleges that she was violated of her rights due to “medical paternalism,” noting both her country and her religious membership as contributing reasons.
The 53-year-old was told to have surgery in 2017 after undergoing a number of medical exams, which marked the beginning of the experience.
Pindo Mulla completed three important forms in 2018 before the procedure: an informed consent form, a long-term power of attorney, and an advance directive.
She claims that she made it clear in all three agreements that she was a Jehovah’s Witness and that she would not accept a blood transfusion of any kind, not even if it meant risking her life.
Pindo Mulla had a potentially fatal hemorrhage during surgery and was given a blood transfusion against her will, despite her intentions being clearly communicated.