03/31/2009
Lesbian Refused Access to Dying Partner Meets Heart Recipient
You may remember the story of Janice Langbehn (above, left) the Seattle woman whose partner Lisa Pond suffered a stroke in July 2007 right before the couple and their three kids were scheduled to leave on a cruise vacation from Miami. Even after a power of attorney naming Langbehn was sent to Jackson Memorial Hospital, the hospital refused to allow Langbehn access to Pond, who died of a brain aneurysm about 18 hours after being admitted. Langbehn was finally allowed to see Pond as a priest delivered last rites.
Langbehn recently had a bit more closure to that horrific episode. At a reception in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, she was able to meet Jerry Lawrence (above, right, with wife Maxine), whose life was saved after receiving Pond's heart in an organ donation.
Said Langbehn: "This is the best outcome I could hope for. Lisa is inside of him.”
Lambda Legal has filed suit on behalf of Langbehn and her three children.
Posted 8:56 AM EST by Andy Towle in Discrimination, Gay Rights, Miami, News, Seattle | Permalink
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The social workers who staff that hospital need to have their licenses revoked. Then I'd have JCAHO suspend accreditation. That'd bring the bastards to their knees.
Posted by: mike shackleford | Mar 31, 2009 9:10:12 AM
LOL, their website says comprehensive, compassionate care in big at the top.
WHAT A CROCK !
Posted by: Marc | Mar 31, 2009 9:54:35 AM
It's interesting - JCAHO doesn't seem to give a shit about stuff like this. They're all over you if don't padlock the sheet closet, but getting them to back up gay people is notoriously tough from what I've heard. Of course, that's just the grapevine....
Posted by: Yeek | Mar 31, 2009 10:06:15 AM
"If you or a friend/family member are a current or former patient of Jackson Health System and have questions or comments concerning the care received or the overall experience at a Jackson facility, please contact Patient Relations at 305-585-7341."
Posted by: Matt | Mar 31, 2009 10:40:25 AM
Typically in these cases the partner's family is at odds with the whole arrangement and request that the staff block access.
Posted by: anon | Mar 31, 2009 11:26:08 AM
I love it that the straight older couple (recipients) are involved in this and respectfully grateful for the gift they received. Nice to see that after the horrors of the hospital.
Posted by: David R. | Mar 31, 2009 5:45:03 PM