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January 29, 2010
Supreme Court of Puerto Rico upholds patient’s medical rights
Puerto Rico—In a landmark decision reached on January 27, 2010, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico upheld an adult patient’s right to refuse certain medical treatment. The Court also recognized a patient’s right to use advance directives and appoint a health-care agent to represent his interests when unconscious.
Victor Hernandez, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, executed an advance directive prior to his hospitalization. The Supreme Court overturned the trial court’s refusal to enforce Mr. Hernandez’s medical decision as expressed in his directive and by his health-care agent. In so doing, the Supreme Court recognized “the fundamental right that makes the inviolability of the human body an inalienable right of the people.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses are pleased that the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico recognizes an adult’s right to refuse any medical treatment involving the use of blood transfusions for religious reasons. They also value the fact that the Court recognizes an adult patient’s right to have their medical decisions respected by means of an advance directive and health-care agent. This victory benefits not only the more than 25,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Puerto Rico, but all patients throughout the island.
Contact information:
In USA: Paul Polidoro, tel. + 1 845 306 0711
In Puerto Rico: Ray Candelaria, tel. + 1 787 789 6000