This story is so infuriating and so scary at the same time. It seems that no matter what precautions we take or what legal documents we sign and/or carry with us to "prove" we are married and therefore entitled to the rights of any other immediate family member, others in states like Florida can deny those rights indiscriminately. The background story can be found at http://www.lesbiatopia.com/2008/07/lesbian-partner-sues-hospital-story.html
You can also watch the video, which is heartbreaking as the surviving partner tries to explain how difficult it was to wait in the waiting room for more than 8 hours as her partner lay dying alone. By the time she was permitted to see her partner (for only 5 minutes, mind you), she was already brain-dead...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
JMH Sued Over Access To Dying Gay Partner
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3 comments:
that's scary. i can't imagine experiencing that level of indignity. another compelling reason to keep our asses in the "gay-friendly" states. how heartless can you be? no one should have to die alone.
should we be carrying our marriage license if we cross state lines? we don't have proof of our status.
It doesn't sound like even a marriage license would do any good in that situation. If the hospital wouldn't recognize the power of attorney document, they certainly wouldn't recognize a marriage certificate from out-of-state. They would have to had physically restrain me and/or knock me out to keep me from getting back to that room if Reg were hurt. Makes ya never want to go on vacation to places like Florida. Aren't you worried when you travel to Barbados if something happens to you or Pam?
no, i'm not scared. i guess i don't think about the "what ifs". this incident and others shows me though that it may be necessary to develop a plan, just in case.
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