Protect your Medical Rights

The case of Terri Schiavo, the woman whose family is fighting her husband for medical control reminds me of another story. Back in 1983 Sharon Kowalski was involved in a terrible car accident. Although she had been partners with Karen Thompson for ten years and they owned a home together, Karen had no rights in the eyes of the law. The court appointed Sharon's father as her guardian and he forbid Karen from visiting. For seven years Karen fought Sharon's parents for the right to take Sharon out of the nursing home they placed her in so she could bring her home to care for her. Karen finally won the long battle to bring Sharon home. As lesbians, because our relationships have no legal protection, we need to take extra legal steps to ensure our rights are protected.