A WOMAN who is 32 weeks pregnant with twins who are severely anaemic and at risk has objected to the babies receiving a vital blood transfusion after they are born, the High Court heard yesterday.
In those circumstances, the Health Service Executive (HSE) will ask the court tomorrow for an order permitting it to give a blood transfusion to the babies after they are born.
In a brief application yesterday, Brian Murray SC, for the HSE, told Ms Justice Mary Laffoy that the mother was 32 weeks pregnant at Cork University Hospital and her expected babies were severely anaemic.
When advised about the need for a blood transfusion, the mother and her partner had made it clear that they objected to any transfusion. Ms Justice Laffoy asked whether the objection was on religious grounds and counsel replied that it was.
It is believed that the parents, who cannot be named by court order, are members of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation.
It is understood that the mother of the babies has not objected to their delivery being induced later this week and the HSE believes that the babies are at risk and should be delivered before the weekend.
In those circumstances, Ms Justice Laffoy granted leave to Mr Murray to serve notice on the parents of the HSE’s intention to apply tomorrow for an order permitting the transfusion when the babies are born.
Yesterday’s application was made ex parte (with one side represented only).
Mr Murray also secured an interim order restraining publication of the names of the parents.
