Tragic Maternal Death in Port Harcourt Sparks National Debate on Medical Ethics and Religious Convictions
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Lee Elder
Publication (Outlet/Website): A Further Inquiry
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/05/14
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — May 14, 2025 — A maternal death in Rivers State intensified national scrutiny in Nigeria—a controversy over religious conviction and medical responsibility. On May 10, 2025, 33-year-old Victoria Paris died. She had postpartum hemorrhage following a cesarean section. The surgery was performed in Borikiri, Port Harcourt. Reports indicate a life-saving blood transfusion was withheld.
Paris was not affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. She had previously given birth to children at the same facility. She was reportedly in labour with a fifth child. Complications arose. After an emergency cesarean section, she suffered blood loss. Family members allege the hospital’s proprietor refused to authorize a transfusion, citing religious objections (Physician was reportedly a Jehovah’s Witness). A power outage happened during surgery. This may have delayed care. Paris was transferred to a second medical facility. She was dead on arrival.
On May 11, 2025, the Rivers State Ministry of Health’s Anti-Quackery Committee arrived, led by Dr. Vincent Wachukwu. They conducted an unscheduled inspection, sealed the hospital’s operating theatre, and ordered staff to cease clinical activities. The Committee cited suspected professional negligence and breach of the Rivers State Private Health-Care Facilities Regulation Law.
The Standard Maternity Hospital, at №2 Captain Amangala Street, is licensed as a Level B private maternity centre. In 2024, the facility was cautioned for inadequate record-keeping and placed on probationary oversight.
Criminal charges may be brought as outlined in the Criminal Code §303. Jehovah’s Witnesses maintain a doctrinal interpretation of biblical scripture against the transfusion of whole blood and primary components. A belief central to the faith. (Internal Watchtower documents warn Jehovah’s Witness doctors and nurses not to prescribe or administer blood transfusions to non-Jehovah’s Witnesses, even if doing so makes them subject to penalty).
This raises questions on the ethical boundaries of personal or institutional religious convictions in emergency medical settings. Current Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria guidelines (2016) require that physicians render all reasonable emergency measures, irrespective of personal beliefs.
Media Contact:
Lee Elder
Email: LeeElderAJWRB@gmail.com
Advocates for the Jehovah’s Witnesses Reform on Blood
Website: www.ajwrb.org
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