Hospital sued after lesbian partner denied access

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Topic started by Boudie - Spiritual Warrior (saratiddy)

People don't believe me that I am shy face-2-face, despite being a right cheeky monkey on some Forums. Orginally from the West Country, but transplanted to Reading in early 90s. Joined OUT for both Gay Male & Female friends, to break the feelings of isolation after the breakup of a long relationship.

A topic from News & Current Affairs: Gay

saratiddyThu 26/06/08 16:28

(Hospital Sued After Dying Lesbian's Partner Denied Access To Her

[Miami, Florida] A lawsuit will be filed in Miami Wednesday against a hospital that refused to allow the partner of a dying lesbian to see because they were not considered family.

The suit will be filed by Lambda Legal which is representing Janice Langbehn.

Langbehn and Lisa Pond had planned to take their three children on a family cruise. The Olympia, Washington couple had been together 18 years and with their children were looking forward to the holiday.

But just as they were about to depart on the cruise from Miami, Florida. Pond, a healthy 39-year-old, suddenly collapsed. She was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami with Langbehn and the children following close behind.

Once Langbehn and the children arrived at the hospital the hospital refused to accept information from her about Ponds's medical history.

Langbehn says she was informed that she was in an antigay city and state, and she could expect to receive no information or acknowledgment as family.

A doctor finally spoke with Janice telling her that there was no chance of recovery.

Other than one five minute visit, which was orchestrated by a Catholic priest at Langbehn's request to perform last rites, and despite the doctor's acknowledgement that no medical reason existed to prevent visitation, neither she nor her children were allowed to see Pond until nearly eight hours after their arrival.

Soon after Pond''s death, Langbehn tried to get her death certificate in order to get life insurance and Social Security benefits for their children. She was denied both by the State of Florida and the Dade County Medical Examiner.

In February, Lambda Legal sent a letter to Jackson Memorial Hospital and announced its intent to file a lawsuit on behalf of Pond's family.

"After receiving no response from the hospital despite providing them sufficient opportunity to avoid litigation, Janice and her family are now able to seek justice in a court of law," said Lambda spokesperson Tika Milan.

Article: www.365gay.com/Newscon08/06/062408fam.htm

... The treatment that the partner and the children received was disgusting. I can relate to this as I was denied access to my ex who later died from Cancer (over 13 years ago) when she received treatment at a hospital in Surrey. To sit outside and wonder what is going on is horrible. No body should have to be put through this. I think it has nothing to do with the State of Florida, I think it was the homophobia of the staff. If she had been travelling with a friend and their children, would she still be refused access. How about the wishes of the person who is ill / dying, they need to know that their loved ones are there for them.

My heart goes out to the partner and the children and I hope that they do get some recognition and an apology at least. I don't think money will ease the pain caused, but if it can help the children for their future then they deserve it.

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