CHR lauds Quezon City for ‘Right to Care’ card

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday welcomed the Quezon City government’s “Right to Care” card program that allows resident LGBTQI couples to make medical decisions for their partners.

In a statement, the commission said the program is a “commendable move” that concretely recognizes the autonomy and personal choice of LGBTQI couples.

“The Right to Care card provides concrete legal protection and recognition in the healthcare setting. It respects the couple’s authority and involvement in their partner’s care thus preventing exclusion, discrimination and denial of information or participation,” the CHR said.

“It is also expected that it will alleviate the stress and anxiety during difficult hospitalization periods by allowing the LGBTQI members to actively contribute and participate in the care and well-being of their partner,” it added.

Launched in time with the Pride PH celebration last June 24, the “Right to Care” card will recognize the cardholders’ decision allowing their partners to make medical decisions for them.

It will be operational through a special power of attorney and will first be implemented in city-operated hospitals.

“There have been reports of LGBTQI community members who were prohibited from making crucial decisions when their partners were admitted to intensive care units of hospitals,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said during the launch.

“We want all of our residents, regardless of sexual orientation, to be with their partners in critical moments, and we are taking this important step to assure the rainbow community that they are cared for, recognized and valued in Quezon City,” she added.

Belmonte said an ordinance will be passed to institutionalize the program, with the city government planning to conduct orientations and seal partnerships with other public and private hospitals based in the city to expand its coverage.

The CHR said it hopes that the city government’s actions will serve as an inspiration to other cities to pursue projects and policies that will protect and empower the LGBTQI community.

It also emphasized the need for legislation that protects and ensures the rights of individuals belonging to the LGBTQI community.