Authorization of Involuntary Blood Transfusion for Adult Jehovah\u27s Witness Held Unconstitutional--\u3cem\u3eIn re Brooks\u27 Estate\u3c/em\u3e

Despite serious illness, plaintiff requested, in accordance with her religious beliefs as a Jehovah\u27s Witness, that blood transfusions not be administered to her. Upon the request of her physician and several assistant state\u27s attorneys, a court-appointed guardian was authorized to consent to a blood transfusion for the plaintiff, and a transfusion was administered. On appeal of the court\u27s action to the Supreme Court of Illinois, held, order reversed. The authorization of a blood transfusion for an adult Jehovah\u27s Witness who has only adult children is an unconstitutional interference with the patient\u27s right to the free exercise of her religion