Obama Mandates Rights to Gays Re Hospital Visitation and Medical Care Choices

On Thursday, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that extends rights of hospital visitation to same-sex partners of gays, and directs respect for their choice of an advocate to make medical care decisions for them.

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SUBJECT: Respecting the Rights of Hospital Patients to Receive Visitors and to Designate Surrogate Decision Makers for Medical Emergencies

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