Numa audiência convocada no Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center em 16 de junho de 1989, um médico declarou que, se a jovem de dezessete anos de Nova York resistisse à transfusão, ele a amarraria à cama com contenções nos punhos e nas pernas; o artigo também registra que o juiz de primeira instância não permitiu que ela depusesse nos autos, embora, depois de visitá-la, a tenha chamado de ‘obviously very intelligent’ e ‘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.””