Case study. Erythropoietin for anaemia in a preterm Jehovah's Witness baby.

An infant born at 24 weeks gestation to Jehovah's Witness parents was made a Ward of Court and treated against their wishes with blood products. Erythropoietin was used without obvious benefit, but the child did well. The parents did not reject the child and maintained a good relationship with medical and nursing staff. We present this case in the light of current discussions on child welfare and recent reform of the law relating to child protection and highlight the many difficult dilemmas faced by the medical team.