Glaring example of why we need marriage

Everytime I read a story such as this, I get so angry. The man in this story never even got to say goodbye to his partner who slipped into a coma.

In court testimony, chief physician at Shock Trauma, Dr. Thomas Scalea, said Flanigan was barred because doctors were too busy trying to save Daniel's life to allow visitors. Flanigan was finally permitted to see his partner but only after Daniel's mother and sister arrived hours later. By that time, Daniel was no longer conscious, his eyes were taped shut, and he subsequently died without being able to say goodbye to his partner.

Before reading the verdict which rejected Flanigan's suit, the jury said it felt sorry for Flanigan's loss and thought the University of Maryland Medical System could have "communicated better" with him. (story)

One thing that you might want to look at is the Partner Medical Rights package by Family LLC. The cost is $175.00 (it says you get $35 off at checkout). The documents are created for you and mailed to you. It's probably less costly than seeing a lawyer to try to draft documents to give you some of the rights of marriage with regards to medical decisions.