Liz Molina is dying of cervical cancer. Her partner Joan Rodriguez is pregnant with their son, but it is unclear if Liz will live to see his birth in November. Even if she does, her name will not appear on his birth certificate, and he will not be entitled to any legal benefits — they live in Florida, and the two women cannot marry.
In mid-October, Joan told their story to the Orange County Commission, which was debating whether to file an amicus brief in support of overturning Florida’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples. Joan told them that the couple had conceived when they thought Liz’ cancer was in remission. It came back as terminal, however. Earlier, Liz had lost her insurance because of Medicare technicalities and went four months without treatment. If they could have married, Joan could have added Liz to her health care policy, and that could have have prolonged or saved her life.
Liz, age 35, now weighs less than 80 pounds. She also has a 13-year-old daughter who lives with her parents — but the parents do not let the girl see her mother, as they disapprove of her relationship with Joan, said Equality Florida.
Five different Florida judges have ruled the state’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples to be unconstitutional. Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi continue to appeal those rulings, however.
Marriage equality has made tremendous strides lately, but progress may not come quickly enough for Liz and Joan. Equality Florida has ways you can take action. And Liz and Joan’s baby registry is here.
Watch Joan’s speech to the Commission below.
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