Obama widens medical rights to same sex couples:
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 7:37 pm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/us/po ... ss&src=igw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;President Obama on Thursday ordered his health secretary to issue new rules aimed at granting hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners, and making it easier for gays and lesbians to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners.
The White House announced the rule changes in a memorandum released Thursday night. In it, the president said the new rules will affect any hospital that participates in Medicare or Medicaid, the government programs to cover the elderly and the poor.
“Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindness and caring of a loved one at their sides,” Mr. Obama said in the memorandum, adding that the rules could also help widows and widowers who rely on friends and members of religious orders who care for each other. But he say gays and lesbians are “uniquely affected” because they are often barred from visiting partners with whom they have spent decades.
Several states have tried to put an end to discrimination against same-sex couples, and Mr. Obama said he intended to build on those efforts. He said the new rules will make clear that designated visitors should enjoy visiting privileges that are no more restrictive than those enjoyed by immediate family members.