Gays are at a disadvantage in malpractice cases. Does this affect medical care? Some think so:

According to Langen, the hospital said Spicehandler died of an embolism. But he said no one was attending Spicehandler at the time of his death, and Langen questioned the care he received.

But unlike a married heterosexual spouse, Langen may not be able to sue for medical malpractice in New York State.

Langen and his case in New York are not unique. Several cases around the country raise the question of whether gay patients are at greater risks for poor medical care in hospitals because there may be no one who can sue on behalf of the patient in cases of alleged malpractice.

It’s ridiculous to think that doctors lower their standard of care based on whether their patients have the right to sue.