Joao Simoes says staff at a Catholic hospital punished him because he’s gay. His
lawsuit against New Jersey's Trinitas Regional alleges that one of its doctors deprived him of his AIDS medication for days--because she
learned he had contracted the disease from a man.
Simoes says that attending physician Dr. Susan Borga interrogated him after he asked her for his AIDS medication. When he told her how he'd become infected, Borga reacted with disgust and simply walked out, ignoring his request, says Simoes‘ suit.
The suit also states that when Simoes's primary doctor insisted his patient get his meds, Borga told him Simoes was getting what he deserved “for going against God's will.”
Even missing one dose in AIDS treatment can cause irreversible consequences, according to the San Francisco AIDS Research Institute, and it is unacceptable for hospital staff to withhold such crucial treatment from a patient because of religious bias.
Tell Trinitas: Don't deny AIDS patients their meds.
We, the undersigned, find Simoes’ allegations against Trinitas very disturbing.
If statements in his lawsuit are accurate, then your medical center has not only failed Mr. Simoes, it has failed to live up to its own standards, including these below cited on your webpage as part of your “Mission Statement” (http://www.trinitashospital.org/mission_statement.htm):
We strive to provide excellent, compassionate healthcare to the people and communities we serve, including those among us who are poor and vulnerable.
Charity
Witnesses to God's love by serving all people
Reverence for Life
Recognize and respect the dignity and value of life in every stage and condition
Compassion
Provide service in a caring, personalized manner to all and serve as an advocate for those in greatest need
Community
Advocate for a society in which each person in our organization and in the community can realize his or her full potential and achieve the common good
We request that your facility end any discriminatory practices against gay members of the community, such as those alleged in Simoes’ lawsuit.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
