By Christine Fabro
The Quezon City Government launched on Saturday, June 24, the country’s first “care card” that authorizes LGBTQIA+ couples to make key medical decisions for their partners.
Mayor Joy Belmonte explained that through a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA), queer couples will have the authority over the healthcare decisions of their partner.
“Dito sa care card na ito, ang isang LGBT couple na matagal nang nagmamahalan, ‘yung Special Power of Attorney, will be able to have authority over the healthcare decisions na kailangang gawin para sa isang partner,” Belmonte said in the Usapang QC digital program on Friday, June 23.
The Right to Care Card features a QR code that contains the actual notarized SPOA contract uploaded to the cloud.
It also indicates the authorization of the life partner to the rights that include, but not limited to, the provision of care during hospitalization, signing of any waiver or document, and medical decision-making.
The care card will soon be available for queer couples residing in Quezon City.
The launching of the Right to Care Card coincides with the celebration of Pride PH Festival 2023 held at Quezon Memorial Circle. – gb
