In August this year, 26-year-old Isaac Valdez had an epileptic seizure while browsing in his local library, causing him to convulse and strike his head against the ground. Later, in hospital, it transpired Isaac had hit his head with such force it had led to a brain haemorrhage. Treatment was seriously complicated by the fact that, as a Jehovah's Witness, Isaac carried a "No Blood" card, an indication that he would not accept treatment involving any form of blood transfusion because of his religious beliefs.
As a result, a procedure to drain fluid from Isaac's brain did not take place. But his family, from Waxahachie, Texas, were encouraged by the fact that he regained consciousness and even started to talk again. He was able to confirm that he stood by his "no blood" beliefs.
The family's relief at his apparent improvement was short-lived. Isaac slipped into a coma and his condition worsened rapidly. A neurosurgeon told Isaac's family the only way to save his life was an emergency operation, but that it was one that required blood transfusion.
His family took the decision to abide by Issac's wishes as a lifelong Witness not to accept such a procedure. Isaac - who his twin brother Jacob Valdez describes as an intelligent man who loved volunteering and helping the elderly - died on 26 August 2026 when doctors turned off his life support. Just 23 days later, the Jehovah's Witnesses' Governing Body announced a seismic change in teaching that would, in effect, have given Isaac the religious green light to have the life-saving treatment he had refused.
The change suddenly means the vast majority of medical procedures using donated blood are no longer prohibited to followers. Now, decisions on whether to accept such treatments are to be left to individuals. Jacob, already dealing with the death of his twin, was angered at the Jehovah's Witnesses' leadership for not coming to their conclusion sooner.
He told BBC News he believes Isaac could well still be alive if they had. The original rule on blood transfusions dates back to 1945, towards the very end of a war during which the use of blood transfusions had been increasingly widespread. The leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses announced that their believers were not permitted to accept transfusions.
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