Michigan Preparing To Let Doctors Refuse To Treat Gays

[KDLarsen]

Sorry guys, but since it's more than 12 hours old, it can't go to the LBN.

Lansing, Michigan) Doctors or other health care providers could not be disciplined or sued if they refuse to treat gay patients under legislation passed Wednesday by the Michigan House.

The bill allows health care workers to refuse service to anyone on moral, ethical or religious grounds.

<snip>

Rep. Chris Kolb (D-Ann Arbor) the first openly gay legislator in Michigan, pointed out that while the legislation prohibits racial discrimination by health care providers, it doesn't ban discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation.

"Are you telling me that a health care provider can deny me medical treatment because of my sexual orientation? I hope not," he said.

"I think it's a terrible slippery slope upon which we embark," said Rep. Jack Minore (D-Flint) before voting against the bill.

More at: http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/04/042204MichMed.htm

My comment: Jesus H. Christ - why not go back to the Jim Crow days altogether, where these sort of problems didn't exist. It would also take care of that pressing problem of having to be around African-americans :eyes:

[freetobegay]

1. Dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1454370&mesg_id=1454370

[BlueEyedSon]

2. "moral, ethical or religious grounds"???

I suppose Jews and porn-watchers are next

[Warpy]

5. Smokers and the morbidly obese

...face obstacles finding treatment now. Some cardiac surgeons won't operate on people who have no intention of quitting smoking because the surgeries don't last long if the patient continues to smoke, and morbidly obese people have tremendous post surgical complication rates.

One thing I was taught in nursing school was to check my judgmental attitudes at the door, that other people had the right to choose things in their lives that I would never choose for mine. I wish this attitude were taught more. The last thing the medical profession needs is a bunch of prunefaced moralists refusing to help the sick because the sick may have made stupid choices years earlier, or may have been born someone they don't approve of.

Let 'em go into preaching. Keep them the hell out of hospitals.

[BlueEyedSon]

7. Smoking is a choice. Obesity is a condition.

[asthmaticeog]

3. Dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1454370

Just FYI.

[KDLarsen]

4. Whoops!

Thanks - I haven't go access to the search function, so I could see if it had been posted (did go through 5 pages of LBN though).

[rocktivity]

6. If they have moral, ethical or religious problems with treating patients

They should leave the field.

:headbang:
rocknation