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发帖数: 4174 | 1 Posted on Advocate.com October 13, 2011 09:05:00 AM ET
Hospital Visitation Rights Advocate to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal
By Julie Bolcer
Janice Langbehn, whose family tragedy prompted an executive order to extend
hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples, will receive the
Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, at
the White House next week for “her efforts to ensure all Americans are
treated equally.”
According to a statement from the White House, the Washington State resident
is among 13 civilians selected to receive the award from President Barack
Obama at a ceremony on Thursday, October 20. More than 6,000 names were
suggested for the annual honor, which recognizes exemplary service to one’s
fellow citizens.
While on vacation in Florida in 2007, Langbehn’s partner Lisa Pond was
hospitalized and died alone from a brain aneurysm after her partner and
children were refused access to her. Langbehn filed a lawsuit against the
hospital, Jackson Memorial, but the case was dismissed in 2009. Her plight
received attention from President Obama, who personally apologized for her
experience and issued an executive order to extend hospital visitation
rights for gay and lesbian couples. The changes, which affect hospitals
receiving federal Medicare or Medicaid, took effect this year. | D**S
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