Some of you may recall my previous posts on the 10 Month - 10 Lives Challenge.
Join The Impact says “Join us in a challenge over the next 10 months that will make an IMPACT. 10 months - 10 lives changed. Everyone in this movement must help keep the conversation going.
"We are asking each and every one of you to engage in 10 conversations with someone who does not understand our struggle and help them to see our point of view. We are not asking that you try to infringe on or disrespect their beliefs. Change can not occur with insult, it will only occur with respect. If all of us work hard to positively affect 10 lives, we can change this entire nation!"If you missed my original posts, be sure to click on each to view them:
My 1st Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 2nd Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 3rd Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 4th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 2nd Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 3rd Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 4th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 5th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 6th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 7th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 6th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
My 7th Conversation 10 Months - 10 Lives Challenge.
It's time for my Eighth Conversation of the 10 Month - 10 Lives Challenge. One of the things that married couples take for granted is that your spouse can inform medical professionals about your health history, allergic reactions to medications and make informed medical decisions for you when you are incapable of making them for yourself.
As glbt couples who cannot marry, many of us go to attorneys and have legal documents drawn up to approximate some of the civil rights we are denied by not being allowed to marry or have a marriage equivalent.
Hospital Discriminated Against Lesbians - The Advocate. In Fresno, CA Community Regional Medical Center denied Rowe access to Orbin "despite having paperwork naming her as Orbin's health care agent." Orbin was given a drug that she as an allergic/bad reaction to because Rowe was unable to convey this information to medical staff. It makes me shudder to think what would have happened were the drug that was administered caused a fatal reaction.
"According to a joint press release from the ACLU and NCLR, Teresa Rowe and Kristin Orbin were participating in the "Meet in the Middle" rally for marriage equality in Fresno on May 29 when Orbin, who has epilepsy, collapsed in a seizure. Rowe accompanied Orbin to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where Rowe was refused entry into the emergency room and repeatedly denied access to Orbin and the medical staff, despite having paperwork naming her as Orbin’s health care agent. Because of the separation, Orbin was given the drug Ativan, which Rowe tried to tell doctors causes her unnecessary pain.
Legal documents, paperwork naming a person another's health care agent, medical power of attorney aren't worth the paper they are written on if hospital staff choose to ignore them.
Married couples aren't required to submit any legal documentation, other than perhaps to show identification.
Thank goodness Ms. Orbin's reaction to the drug was not fatal.
Lola's Diner
©2008-2009
As glbt couples who cannot marry, many of us go to attorneys and have legal documents drawn up to approximate some of the civil rights we are denied by not being allowed to marry or have a marriage equivalent.
Hospital Discriminated Against Lesbians - The Advocate. In Fresno, CA Community Regional Medical Center denied Rowe access to Orbin "despite having paperwork naming her as Orbin's health care agent." Orbin was given a drug that she as an allergic/bad reaction to because Rowe was unable to convey this information to medical staff. It makes me shudder to think what would have happened were the drug that was administered caused a fatal reaction.
"According to a joint press release from the ACLU and NCLR, Teresa Rowe and Kristin Orbin were participating in the "Meet in the Middle" rally for marriage equality in Fresno on May 29 when Orbin, who has epilepsy, collapsed in a seizure. Rowe accompanied Orbin to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where Rowe was refused entry into the emergency room and repeatedly denied access to Orbin and the medical staff, despite having paperwork naming her as Orbin’s health care agent. Because of the separation, Orbin was given the drug Ativan, which Rowe tried to tell doctors causes her unnecessary pain.
Legal documents, paperwork naming a person another's health care agent, medical power of attorney aren't worth the paper they are written on if hospital staff choose to ignore them.
Married couples aren't required to submit any legal documentation, other than perhaps to show identification.
Thank goodness Ms. Orbin's reaction to the drug was not fatal.
Lola's Diner
©2008-2009
I never thought of the legal issues lacking in same sex relationships. That's really too bad. Thank you for raising awareness.
ReplyDeleteIt's all so ridiculous, isn't it?? They claim that having "paperwork" solves the legal issues, but what good is it if nobody recognizes it?? Common sense is gone, I tell you. Gone. In all of this, we just need common sense.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of posts, Lola!
ReplyDeleteMarriage is definitely an important step, but I think educational campaigns like this are important as well. People need to understand that we are all the same and all different, no matter gay, straight or bisexual. Discriminating against GLBT is no different from discriminating against certain religions or minorities. People should be judged for who they are, not for what group they belong to. Sorry, I will get off my soapbox now.
ReplyDelete@ Yaya, Stephany - Thank you.
ReplyDelete@ Lin - I think common sense left somewhere in the early 80's.
@ Anne - I couldn't agree more. I am so glad I decided to become a part of this campaign.