much as I believe in freedom of religion, I find it hard to understand when faith-based regulations overshadow the maternal instinct to foster the life of your own flesh and blood.

I don't understand what kind of religion would claim that blood transfusions are bad. If it's the life of your child your talking about I'd think you would forget about your religion for a moment and do everything to save your child. On the contrary if your religion said your child would go to Hell for having a blood transfusion then I'd understand.