Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 0877Medical treatment consent

High Court orders blood transfusion for baby despite mother's religious objections

An eight-month-old baby with sickle cell disease and life-threatening anaemia due to acute splenic sequestration was admitted to hospital in early June 2026, and the Health Service Executive made an urgent application to the High Court in May 2026 seeking consent for a blood transfusion over the mother's religious objections. The High Court granted the HSE permission to carry out the transfusion and ordered the baby to remain in hospital until medically discharged by treating consultants. Maria Dillon, a solicitor, was appointed Guardian ad Litem at the outset of the hearing. The baby subsequently recovered well following the transfusion.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court6 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • The eight-month-old baby had sickle cell disease and life-threatening anaemia due to acute splenic sequestration, with a real risk of death if not treated.
  • The Health Service Executive made an urgent application to the High Court in May 2026 seeking consent for a blood transfusion over the mother's religious objections.
In court
  • The High Court granted the HSE permission to carry out the blood transfusion and ordered the baby to remain in hospital until medically discharged by treating consultants.
  • Maria Dillon, a solicitor, was appointed Guardian ad Litem at the outset of the hearing.
Other details
  • International guidelines dictate that a haemoglobin level of 6g/dl or lower requires a transfusion.
  • The baby subsequently recovered well after the transfusion.
6 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe baby is eight months old and had been admitted to hospital the day before the hearing. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe baby had sickle cell disease and life-threatening anaemia due to acute splenic sequestration. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe most common outcome of the acute splenic sequestration the baby was experiencing was death. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge ordered the baby to remain in hospital until medically discharged by treating consultants. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMaria Dillon, a solicitor, was appointed Guardian ad Litem at the outset of the hearing. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherInternational guidelines dictate that a haemoglobin level of 6g/dl or lower requires a transfusion. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Jun2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Baby given blood transfusion despite mother’s objections on religious grounds after court ruling

    Reports the High Court ruling granting the HSE permission to transfuse the baby over the mother's religious objections, with the baby subsequently recovering well.

    victim