Quezon City introduces 'Right to Care' card for LGBTQIA+ couples
Quezon City (QC) further champions equality and the rights of its LGBTQIA+ residents and their partners as the city government launched the “Right to Care” card last June 24.
The QC government in a statement said the landmark initiative aims to “empower resident queer couples to make medical decisions for their partners.”
Made operational through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), the “Right to Care” card will recognize the decision of the cardholders to any type of medical care for their partners, including treatments, procedures, tests, and prescriptions.
The card will feature a QR code that directs to the actual, notarized digital version of the SPA document.
The back of the card also enumerates the rights the partner is authorized to, including the right to provide care during hospitalization, the right to sign any waiver or document, and the right to medical decision-making.
“We want all of our residents, regardless of sexual orientation, to be with their partners in critical moments, and we are taking this important step to assure the rainbow community that they are cared for, recognized and valued in Quezon City,” Mayor Belmonte was quoted as saying.
This is an important milestone for the community as medical decisions are only recognized from legal spouses or next of kin presently.
Quezon City is initially implementing the program at city government hospitals such as the Quezon City General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital.
The city government said they will conduct orientations and seal partnerships with public and private Quezon City-based hospitals soon after.
Meanwhile, over 110,000 attended the Pride March held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QMC) last Saturday, according to the data from the QMC admin.
THESE CELEBRITIES ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY:
