This article from the Springfield State Journal-Register points out why same-sex couples who enter an Illinois civil union should still execute health-care and financial powers of attorney.
Good article from Quad-City Online about how civil unions will come 17 years too late for one Illinois man.
New federal regulations require all hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid to allow patients to designate visitors of their choosing. Effective January 18, 2011, these hospitals – virtually very hospital in the United States - may not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of, among other factors, sexual orientation and…
The Illinois General Assembly has passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act (“Act”) establishing legal protections for same-sex couples in the state. The Act, first introduced in March 2007 by Representative Greg Harris, and in the Illinois Senate by Senator David Koehler, passed 61-52 in the House on Tuesday, November 30th and…
This story from NPR about David Wilson and Ron Loso is yet one more example of why same-sex couples need to protect themselves.
Today’s five-year anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s death is a reminder that we all have to face end-of-life decisions, for ourselves and often for loved ones. Most of us don’t like talking about end-of-life issues. Even more of us never get around to putting a plan in writing. Then-26-year-old Terri Schiavo didn’t either. Terri was diagnosed…
What are your wishes if you are in a persistent vegetative state or have a terminal condition, and death is imminent? Do you feel strongly about resuscitation, insertion tubes or other life-sustaining procedures? How do you best ensure that your wishes are honored? A Living Will is not a last will and testament. It is…
Being able to step in and make medical decisions for a seriously ill spouse is unquestioned. Being able to do so for a seriously ill gay partner is not. Unlike married couples, same-sex couples have no legal rights or protection without clear legal documents that spell them out. To be certain that medical decisions stay…