The Quezon City government on Saturday launched "Right to Care" card that will allow LGBTQIA+ couples to make medical decisions for their partners as part of this year's Pride celebration.
The card, activated by a special power of attorney (SPA), will recognize cardholders' decision to agree, decline, or withdraw consent to any sort of medical care for their partners, including treatment, procedures, tests, and prescriptions.
The "Right to Care" card was introduced just in time for the annual Pride festival.
It includes a QR code that will take the user to a digital version of the SPA that has been notarized.
Privileges such as selecting a certain physician or health care provider, as well as admission or discharge from medical facilities will be granted to the cardholders' respective spouses.
They will also be able to receive, handle, and reveal their partner's personal information, as well as authorize or deny medical treatments, procedures, or other medical issues concerning their partner's medical condition.
Interested LGBTQIA+ couples can register with the city's gender and development (GAD) office and fill out documents, including the SPA contract.
The city legal team will validate the data supplied after the notarized forms are submitted.
Once approved, the GAD office will issue physical cards with unique QR codes that will allow them to access a digital copy of their validated SPA contract.
Individuals who have registered will also be required to attend seminars abiut the rights and benefits that come with the card in detail.
According to the city government, the initiative will first be implemented in QC government-owned hospitals such as Quezon City General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital.
The city intends to hold orientations and form collaborations with other public and private hospitals in Quezon City soon.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte hoped that the effort would inspire other cities to develop more initiatives for the LGBTQIA+ population.
Thousands also attended the Quezon Memorial Circle Pride Festival yesterday, June 25.
The one-day celebration featured three primary activities: the Pride Expo, the Pride March, and the Pride Night.
