Queer life partners in the city will soon be able to legally decide for each other with regards to healthcare matters.
The Quezon City Government has launched the Right to Care Card that will empower resident queer couples to make medical decisions for their partners.
The Right to Care Card will be made operational through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and will recognize the decision of the cardholders to agree, refuse, or withdraw consent of any type of medical care for their partners including treatment, procedures, tests, and prescriptions.
Mayor Joy Belmonte, a vocal ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and equality champion, expresses the importance of this initiative in recognizing the life-long commitment and right to care of LGBTQIA+ members to their partners.
“There have been reports of LGBTQIA+ community members who were prohibited from making crucial decisions when their partners were admitted to intensive care units of hospitals,” Mayor Belmonte shared.
“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 said.
Currently, hospitals and medical facilities nationwide only recognize decisions from legal spouses or next of kin, further excluding same-sex couples from making important medical decisions for their respective partners.
The Quezon City Government will implement the Right to Care program initially at city government hospitals such as the Quezon City General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital. Soon after, the city government will conduct orientations and seal partnerships with public or private Quezon City-based hospitals.
The card includes a QR code that will direct the user to an actual and notarized digital version of the SPA document. The provisions of the SPA will indicate the privileges authorized by the cardholders for their respective partners such as choosing a particular physician or health care provider, including admission or discharge from any hospital, nursing home, or residential care facility; receive, process, and/or disclose their partner’s personal information including medical records; allow or deny medical treatments, procedures, or any other medical concerns related to their partner’s medical condition; as well as take any other action pertaining to the authority granted by the Right to Care Card such as processing documents and waivers, and pursuing dispute resolution processes.
This initiative was conceived by the creative communications agency MullenLowe TREYNA. Abi Aquino, Chief Creative Officer of MullenLowe TREYNA hopes that this collaboration with the Quezon City Government can help push the conversation for equal rights for the local LGBTQIA+ community.
“Our agency has always supported equality for all, which is why we hope this initiative will inspire more creatives to give back to the community and make a difference. We stand stronger when we can uphold one another’s rights,” Aquino said.
Interested LGBTQIA+ couples can register with the Quezon CIty Gender and Development (GAD) Office where they will be asked to fill up forms including the SPA contract, which they need to have notarized as well. Upon submission of duly notarized forms, the Quezon City Legal Team will validate the data provided. Once validated, the QC GAD Office shall distribute physical cards with unique QR codes to access the digital copy of their validated SPA contract.
Registered individuals will also be required to attend seminars that will discuss in detail all the rights and benefits that come with the card, further empowering them with the information and legal aspects of the SPA.
Belmonte hopes this movement will inspire other cities to pursue LGBTQIA+ rights so that more queer Filipino couples and life partners can enjoy the same benefits as those living in Quezon City. The Quezon City Government will also spearhead succeeding seminars and training for RTC card holders and recipients, as well as conduct promotional campaigns in barangays.
###
