MONDAY, Feb. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Lack of legal recognition is harmful for women in same-sex relationships, affecting both direct and indirect health care issues, according to an opinion published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
The opinion, issued by the Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women, considered the health issues related to legal status of lesbian couples. They note that although legal documents offer power of attorney, discrimination still occurs. Examples include preventing a woman from seeing her partner in the hospital, not providing for the partner to give consent for medical care, lack of insurance coverage for a partner, and lack of access to the federal Family Medical Leave Act.
The committee also considered the financial aspects related to the legal status of lesbian couples. They note that a number of financial protections that are afforded to legal spouses are not granted to same-sex partners. These include eligibility for Social Security benefits and legal rights to shared properties. Because financial status is an important factor for the health and well-being of a woman, these examples may have a significant impact on women's health.
"The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorses equitable treatment for lesbians and their families, not only for direct health care needs but also for indirect health care issues; this should include the same legal protections afforded married couples," the authors write.
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