Healthcare implications of Referendum 71
This fall, healthcare is on the ballot in two statewide measures. Initiative 1033 and Referendum 71 both have important healthcare implications.
Approval or rejection of Referendum 71 would have an effect on how same sex couples are able to make determinations about who is allowed to make hospital visits.
Below is one perspective on those healthcare ramifications of Referendum 71 from Joe Mirabella, one of the panelists at healthcareWA’s recent forum on the referendum.
The ACLU sent a film crew around the state of Washington to gather stories of families that are protected by the domestic partnership law. Several of the couples discussed their need to care for one another because of medical issues. For example, Rose and Joe are a senior couple from a small Eastern Washington town, Evans. Rose had a brain tumor and Joe is able to care for her because of the domestic partnership law.
Cathlin and Avril are a same-sex domestic partnered couple from Clarkston, Washington. Cathlin was diagnosed with cancer recently. Her parents do not accept her relationship with Avril. Cathlin is having surgery in a couple of weeks and is concerned her parents would prevent Avril from being in the hospital room with her. Her domestic partnership allows Cathlin to choose who cares for her in this time of crisis.
This documentary project is so important at this critical time when basic laws that allow families to care for each other are at risk. Real people will be immediately effected by the results of the election. I hope you choose to vote approve on referendum 71 to keep the domestic partnership law.
Posted by Randy at 2:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post