The death of a 26 year old woman who died during child birth in Quebec City this week is under investigation after the woman's faith might have kept her from accepting a blood transfusion that may have saved her life.
Eloise Dupuis suffered a hemorrhage during birth, which nearly cost her baby its life and ultimately led to her death. But Dupuis was a Jehovah's Witness, whose religion does not allow blood transfusions.
While that right is protected by law, Dupuis' aunt Manon Boyer tells CTV she believes her niece would never have chosen to die. Boyer says she had spoken to Dupuis the night before the birth, and recalls her niece had been very excited to become a mom.
Boyer also says no one who wasn't a Jehovah's Witness was allowed in the room.
Patients rights advocate Paul Brunet says there are several factors that can influence consent, including religion. He feels it's up to the medical staff to ensure that consent isn't affected by outside influence.
So far, representatives from the Jehovah's Witnesses church have not commented on the matter.