Supporters outside the High Court in Auckland where Te Whatu Ora is taking a case against parents who are refusing to allow blood from vaccinated people to be used during their baby’s life-saving heart operation.
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
About 100 people gathered outside the High Court in Auckland in support of a couple who are refusing to allow blood from vaccinated people to be used in their baby’s operation.
The health authority Te Whatu Ora Te Whatu Ora is making an application under the Care of Children Act.
The child needs open heart surgery and the parents say they want the blood to come from people who have not had the Covid-19 vaccine.
The parents were in the public gallery with the baby as they waited for the hearing to start.
Anti-vaccination protesters carrying placards were outside the court.
The Blood Service said it did not keep blood for vaccinated and unvaccinated donors separate and there was no risk from the Covid-19 vaccine.
About 100 people gathered outside the High Court in Auckland to support the parents.
Photo: RNZ
The health authority told RNZ the decision to make a court application was always made with the best interests of the child in mind and following extensive conversations with the whānau.
It said it knew it could be worrying for parents who had a sick child and who were making decisions about their care.
Story Credit: rnz.co.nz