Marriage and Healthcare for Children
Donna, Everett, Wash.
When my son Artie was diagnosed with leukemia, we had to declare him indigent. My partner, Jean, had insurance at the time, which could have taken care of a lot of his medications, hospital stays and other expenses. But the policy didn’t cover me or Artie.
Jean and I have been together for 21 years — since Artie was 6. She has never had any parental rights for the child she raised, and her hospital visits with our son were restricted.
The good news is that my son has been in remission for four years now. But life during this time would have been a lot better had we been able to get married.
March 15, 2005