Cebu City, May 24, 2026 — The Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) of Jehovah's Witnesses conducted a well-received educational presentation for medical professionals at Cebu Doctors University Hospital (CDUH) on April 29, 2026. Facilitated by Mr. Jun Capistrano, the session drew 32 in-person attendees and 16 participants online, comprising surgeons from the departments of General Surgery, OB-Gynecology, and Anesthesiology.

The presentation, which ran from 9:15 AM to 9:40 AM, aimed to equip surgeons with a clearer understanding of the medical and legal considerations involved in treating Jehovah's Witness patients, particularly regarding the community's well-known position on blood transfusions. HLC information kits were distributed to all participants.

"The information provided will help us better manage and care for Jehovah's Witness patients."

-- Dr. Yu, Head of Surgery (Deputy), CDUH

The session generated substantive discussion on key clinical and ethical issues, including questions on physician liability in emergency scenarios involving the refusal of blood transfusion, and the permissible scope of autologous blood procedures. These questions were addressed by Mr. Soria, drawing from actual surgical cases to illustrate practical applications of HLC guidelines.

Doctors called for closer collaboration with the HLC and requested updated medical kits, specifically on autologous blood procedures, as well as standardized waiver documentation to help address legal considerations. Dr. Manuel Villamor identified Dr. Danilo S. Kuizon, a Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon, and Dr. Angelina A. Gapay of the Department of Anesthesia at Divine Word Hospital, Tacloban City, as potential specialist consultants on Jehovah's Witness patient care.

Following the formal presentation, HLC members engaged in an open Q&A with doctors. Dr. Vincent Matthew Roble II, a CDU graduate serving in public hospitals, praised the initiative and urged the HLC to extend similar presentations to public hospital settings, where resident doctors may have limited exposure to JW medical directives but frequently encounter them in emergency situations.

The HLC said it is committed to continuing its outreach to the medical community. Plans are underway to update existing kit materials, develop standardized legal support documents, and expand educational presentations to public hospitals and residency training programs across the region.

Healthcare professionals and members of the public who wish to learn more about Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs and medical decisions -- including detailed information on bloodless medicine, advance medical directives, and the HLC's role in patient care -- are encouraged to visit www.jw.org. The site is available in hundreds of languages and provides free access to a wide range of publications, videos, and resources on the beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses.

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About the Hospital Liaison Committee

The Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) is a body of Jehovah's Witnesses trained to assist fellow Witnesses and healthcare providers in navigating medical decisions consistent with biblical principles. The HLC works cooperatively with hospitals and physicians to promote informed, dignified patient care and to facilitate clear communication on treatment alternatives.

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