Tragic mother refused blood
A Jehovah's Witness from Shropshire died after refusing a blood transfusion because of her faith, an inquest heard today. A Jehovah's Witness from Shropshire died after refusing a blood transfusion because of her faith, an inquest heard today. The inquest was told Emma Gough would probably have survived had she not refused the transfusion after giving birth to twins. Mrs Gough, a devout Jehovah's Witness, had signed an "advance directive" saying she did not want to receive a blood transfusion if it was needed, the hearing at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court was told today. The 22-year-old, of Conroy Drive, Dawley, Telford, died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the early hours of October 25 after suffering a severe loss of blood following the birth of her son and daughter. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
A Jehovah's Witness from Shropshire died after refusing a blood transfusion because of her faith, an inquest heard today.The inquest was told Emma Gough would probably have survived had she not refused the transfusion after giving birth to twins.
Mrs Gough, a devout Jehovah's Witness, had signed an "advance directive" saying she did not want to receive a blood transfusion if it was needed, the hearing at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court was told today.
The 22-year-old, of Conroy Drive, Dawley, Telford, died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the early hours of October 25 after suffering a severe loss of blood following the birth of her son and daughter.
Consultant pathologist Dr Archibald Malcolm today told the first day of her inquest Mrs Gough, a retail manager who had been admitted to hospital on October 22, died of profound anaemia with haemorrhaging and complications of twin delivery as contributory factors.
When asked by Mid and North Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery about blood transfusions, Dr Malcolm said: "It is my view if she had received a transfusion the probability is very strongly in favour of the fact she would have survived."
Dr Malcolm said a post mortem revealed Mrs Gough's haemoglobin levels were 2.2 milligrammes in 100 millilitres of blood, compared to a level of about 14mg in a healthy woman.
He said: "2.2 is profound anaemia, which means the body has insufficient red blood cells to carry enough oxygen for the organs to function normally."
Mr Ellery said the inquest would be hearing about Mrs Gough's ante-natal care, admission to hospital, labour, delivery of her twins and post delivery care and post delivery bleeding. She had been due to give birth on November 8.
He said when Mrs Gough's condition became critical she confirmed and repeated her clear wishes she did not receive a blood transfusion through an advance directive.
When she lost the ability to communicate her decision was confirmed by her husband, Anthony, 24.
The hearing continues.
By Lisa Rowley
