MANILA, Philippines – Pinuri ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) nitong Martes, Hulyo 4, ang hakbang ng Quezon City local government unit na “Right to Care” card project na magpapalakas sa healthcare decisions ng same-sex couples sa lungsod.
“CHR commends the Quezon City local government for their efforts to make healthcare more accessible and inclusive to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) community by launching the Right to Care card,” pahayag ng CHR.
“We laud their initiative to embody the values promoted by the equal protection principles affirmed in the 1987 Constitution’s Bill of Rights and Yogyakarta Principles, among others,” pagpapatuloy nito.
Matatandaan na inilunsad noong Hunyo 24 ang Right to Care card na isang Special Power of Attorney (SPA) document na magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa same-sex couples na makapagdesisyon sa uri ng treatment, pagsusuri at gamot na tatanggapin nila at ng kanilang partner.
Ayon sa CHR, ang proyektong ito ay maituturing na monumental move para sa gender equality sa lungsod.
“This is a commendable move that concretely recognizes autonomy and personal choice by granting LGBTQI couples the right to make medical decisions for their partners as needed. It recognizes their unique and intimate knowledge of their partner’s preferences, needs, medical history, support, among others.”
“The initiative also guarantees that the partner is kept abreast about their loved one’s condition and progress, which helps ensure information access and confidentiality,” dagdag pa ng CHR.
Inisyal na tatakbo ang Right to Care program sa mga government hospital sa Quezon City, at lalawak pa sa pampubliko at pribadong mga ospital sa mga susunod na panahon.
Kasabay nito, nanawagan naman ang CHR sa Kongreso na magpasa ng mga batas na magpapalakas pa sa karapatan ng LGBTQ+ sa buong bansa.
“In order to attain genuine equality in society, accessibility to services—such as, but not limited to healthcare—must be guaranteed regardless of gender and sexual orientation,” saad pa ng CHR.
“No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that members of the LGBTQI community must be supported, respected, and freed from all forms of discrimination. We are hopeful that this will help propel the urgent passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics equality bill,” pagtatapos nito. RNT/JGC
