The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has found a violation of the human rights convention in the case of Pindo Mulla v. Spain, concerning blood transfusions given to a Jehovah’s Witness against her wishes. The Court found in particular that the authorisation to proceed with that treatment had resulted from a decision-making process that had been affected by the omission of essential information.
It ruled unanimously that there had been a violation of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the convention, read in the light of Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion). The Court held that Spain was to pay the applicant 12,000 euros in non-pecuniary damages and 14,000 euros for costs and expenses.
Impact of the ECHR: Human rights and health
Impact of the ECHR: Freedom of religion and belief
