Lors d'une audience tenue au Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center le 16 juin 1989, un médecin a déclaré que si l'adolescente de dix-sept ans de New York résistait à la transfusion, il l'attacherait au lit par des contentions aux poignets et aux jambes ; l'article rapporte également que le juge de première instance n'a pas voulu qu'elle témoigne au procès-verbal, bien qu'après lui avoir rendu visite il l'ait qualifiée de ‘obviously very intelligent’ et de ‘capable of expressing herself fully’.

“He further stated that if Crystal tried to resist the transfusions, he would tie her to the bed with wrist and leg restraints to accomplish the procedure. Crystal told the doctors that she would “scream and holler” if they attempted to transfuse her and that as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she viewed any forcible administration of blood to be as repulsive as rape.”

“Despite her attorney’s repeated requests at the hearing, Crystal was denied the opportunity to speak for herself before the court to demonstrate her decision-making ability. … After the visit the trial judge said that Crystal was “obviously very intelligent” and “very articulate” and explained that Crystal “certainly was sound in mind” and “capable of expressing herself fully.””