Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

WillParkinson

(16,862 posts)
Mon Aug 20, 2012, 01:37 PM Aug 2012

Lesbian Couple Loses Baby After Argument with Hospital Over Rights

Lesbian Couple Loses Baby After Argument with Hospital Over Rights

Brittney Leon and Terri-Ann Simonelli experienced the same old story in Nevada:

NevadaWhen Leon, 26, checked into Spring Valley Hospital on July 20 with complications in her pregnancy, she assumed that her partner Simonelli, 41, could make any necessary medical decisions if she suffered unforeseen problems.

But that's not what happened, they said. An admissions officer told them the hospital policy required gay partners to secure power of attorney before making any medical decisions for each other.

They protested, even offering to go home and return with their domestic partnership document. But they said the admissions officer told them that didn't matter - Simonelli would need a power of attorney. Considering Leon's condition, Simonelli wasn't in a position to argue or spend hours running to a law office. But the admission officer's words left them devastated in a moment that they already were under extreme stress.

Leon ended up losing her baby.

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2012/08/lesbian-couple-loses-baby-after-argument-with-hospital-over-rights.html#ixzz246owaZ3g

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Lesbian Couple Loses Baby After Argument with Hospital Over Rights (Original Post) WillParkinson Aug 2012 OP
How awful... CaliforniaPeggy Aug 2012 #1
that pisses me off. if it were aboyfriend they wouldn't do that. my husband and i were ejpoeta Aug 2012 #2
I'd say sue their asses off... joeybee12 Aug 2012 #3

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,560 posts)
1. How awful...
Mon Aug 20, 2012, 01:40 PM
Aug 2012

In the midst of this terrible situation, having to face the hospital's intransigence was just too much.

My condolences to them both, and a big FU to the hospital.

ejpoeta

(8,933 posts)
2. that pisses me off. if it were aboyfriend they wouldn't do that. my husband and i were
Mon Aug 20, 2012, 01:52 PM
Aug 2012

together and had a kid and he was always treated as my SO and the same should be true for a same sex couple.

 

joeybee12

(56,177 posts)
3. I'd say sue their asses off...
Mon Aug 20, 2012, 03:41 PM
Aug 2012

However, when a state does not recognize the vailidty of a gay union, I'm not sure how this would. Sucks...one more reason for a federal marriage bill.

Condolences.

Latest Discussions»Alliance Forums»LGBT»Lesbian Couple Loses Baby...