AMA: Military's don't-ask-don't-tell policy harms gay servicemembers
In a move that extends far beyond medicine and into electoral politics, the American Medical Association has voted to officially oppose the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The policy, which was put into effect during the Clinton presidency, banned investigations of a soldier's sexual orientation, but permits the military to fire openly gay members.
The AMA contends that such a policy, along with laws that prohibit same-sex marriage, contributes to health disparities. For example, leaders say that the don't-ask-don't-tell policy tends to discourage gay soldiers from being frank with their doctors.
As for its marriage stance, AMA members say it's based on medical research. The research suggests that married couples are more likely to have health insurance, and that the uninsured are often sicker and die younger, according to AMA board member Dr. Peter Carmel.
Also, when same-sex families lack other benefits from marriage--such as tax breaks, spousal benefits and Social Security survivorship payments--it can undermine their health, the powerful medical group said.
To learn more about the AMA's stand:
- read this Associated Press piece
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Comments
By Anonymous | Posted 3:22pm | November 11, 2009
Most of the points made are quasi-political and of opinion only. Similar actions led to my resignation from the AMA 40 years ago.
That relating to medical professional interactions may have validity. This cold be resolved by immunizing physician-patient dialog- as should already exist.
Marriage is still marriage.
By Anonymous | Posted 4:21pm | November 11, 2009
We all can thank Slick Willie for that policy. One, if not the first of many political payments to gays he made that hurt them all and the military.
By Anonymous | Posted 5:27pm | November 11, 2009
It's not that uninsured people are "sicker" it's that they can't afford the health care they need, and the doctor's aren't willing to work with the unisured, therefore they die earlier.
By ERMD | Posted 8:11pm | November 11, 2009
Are there any current or former military physicians who can comment on the military's stance on doctor - patient confidentiality when both the physician and the patient are in the military?
If I were a privately gay enlisted man and went to my local military PCP for treatment of gonorrheal Proctitis, would my physician have to report to his CO that I was gay?
By Bobcat | Posted 10:53pm | November 11, 2009
The impromptu speeches in regards to humam being rights are growing to an all time high for wrecklessness. For example, women rights, there is a law which excludes women, to be asked if he or she is married in an interview.
This information is suggested for tax purposes. Secondly, insurance dependants; which is the benefits package
Why then are same sex marriages separate but equal? All human beings work for benefits for his or her organization. It is included in the equal employment opportunity commission laws.
1. Ageism
2. civil rights
3. disability
4. sexual harrassment
It's odd, the people whom claim he or she is for the human race, does not understand anyone but themselves and the group he or she assents to.
Human beings should be able to fulfill, his or her emancipated needs; which he or she fits the criteria for.
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