Discussions surrounding the religious organization ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ focus on its extreme doctrines and the impact they have on followers and former followers, particularly the ‘second generation’ (children of believers). ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ impose the teachings of Jehovah (the Christian God) in their entirety on their adherents, which includes a strict policy of refusing blood transfusions. This compels believers to deny blood transfusions to medical providers even when they or their children are struck by life-threatening diseases or accidents.

According to a survey conducted by the Jehovah’s Witnesses Issue Support Lawyers Group, over 90% of Jehovah’s Witnesses followers who have experienced abuse from their parents, particularly second-generation believers, have been beaten with whips and forced to refuse blood transfusions.

The lawyers group argues that these doctrines of the religious body ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ constitute ‘religious abuse’. Religious abuse refers to the act of causing physical or mental harm to children for religious reasons, and these actions are not legally recognized.

In addition, according to several reports, former believers and second-generation believers of ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ have responded to interviews conducted by the Constitutional Democratic Party in the Parliament, revealing the gravity of the problem. They stated that they used to be ‘Medical Liaison Committee members’ communicating their intention of refusing blood transfusions to medical institutions, and they recognize the potential this has to threaten human lives.

Resolving this issue requires understanding and measures from society as a whole, not just legally.