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Mother dies after refusing blood Mother dies after refusing blood
(about 2 hours later)
A young mother died after giving birth to twins because her Jehovah's Witness faith prevented her from accepting a blood transfusion, it has emerged. A young mother has died after giving birth to twins, following claims that she had refused a blood transfusion because of her faith.
Emma Gough, 22, from Telford, Shropshire, gave birth at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on 25 October. Jehovah's Witness, Emma Gough, 22, from Telford, Shropshire, gave birth on 25 October.
Just hours later, complications set in - but because of Mrs Gough's faith, doctors were powerless to save her. The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is refusing to comment on reports that she had refused a blood transfusion.
Terry Lovejoy, spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses in Telford, said: "We share the family's very real grief." Family friend Terry Lovejoy, said "they are going through an immense amount of turmoil and grief."
'Risk of death' He added: "We follow the Bible and abstain from blood and I've got no reason to believe that Emma didn't share those views".
Mr Lovejoy, who is in contact with the family, said he didn't want to comment further until the full facts had emerged and a hospital review had taken place. Patient confidentiality
The twins, who are healthy, are being cared for by their father, Anthony Gough, 24. Emma Gough's funeral is taking place at the Telford crematorium at 1530 GMT.
Christine Harris, who is friends with Ms Gough's mother-in-law Sham Gough, said "the family have told me that a blood transfusion wouldn't have saved Emma".
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital said it did not comment on individual cases because of patient confidentiality.
Spokesman Adrian Osborne said "the NHS will always investigate unusual deaths".
An inquest has been opened and adjourned for a date to be fixed.
The twins, a boy and a girl, are healthy and being cared for by their father, Anthony Gough, 24.
Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions because they believe that God has forbidden it in the Bible. They believe that accepting a blood transfusion is a sin.Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions because they believe that God has forbidden it in the Bible. They believe that accepting a blood transfusion is a sin.
Mr Lovejoy said: "We follow the Bible and abstain from blood and I've no reason to believe Emma felt any differently."
Head of Science and Ethics at the British Medical Association, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said: "If somebody believes that having blood will excommunicate them from their religious beliefs, then they will often say no and accept the risk of death."Head of Science and Ethics at the British Medical Association, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said: "If somebody believes that having blood will excommunicate them from their religious beliefs, then they will often say no and accept the risk of death."