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WASHINGTON, D.C.—“I applaud the Obama administration’s decision to mandate that nearly all hospitals in the United States must extend visitation and health care decision-making rights to the partners of gay men and lesbians. There are too many cases of couples being denied access to one another during hospital visits that are often literally matters of life and death. The administration’s actions not only mean that all families will have the chance to support and comfort one another during times of great stress, but also that health care providers will have access to the people who best know a patient’s medical history and treatment wishes. As HHS drafts new rules and regulations in response to President Obama’s memorandum, it is of paramount importance that front-line hospital staff are made aware of the new policy and its importance to the health and well-being of same-sex couples and their families.”
Winnie Stachelberg is the Senior Vice President for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress
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