At its annual meeting held in Chicago June 12-16, the American Medical Association adopted two resolutions of interest to the LGBT community. An earlier resolution was deferred and will be considered again at a later date.
Resolution 204 on 'Partner Co-Adoption' was originally introduced by the Medical Student Section. After considerable testimony before the relevant reference committee, it was adopted that the American Medical Association would 'support legislative and other efforts to allow the adoption of a child by the same-sex partner, or opposite sex non-married partner, who functions as a second parent or co-parent to that child.' The main argument of those in favor of the resolution was that the legal protections of adoption ensure the physical and psychological well being of a child. Opponents maintained that the issue of same-sex families is a legal one that lies 'outside the purview of the AMA.'
A final vote by the House of Delegates made support for partner co-adoption a new policy of the Association.
Resolution 414 was also drafted by the Medical Student Section and was titled Nondiscriminatory Policy for the Health Care Needs of the Homosexual Population. It stated the AMA's dedication to 'educating physicians on the current state of research in and knowledge of homosexuality and the need to take an adequate sexual history.' It called on the Association to 'encourage physician practices, medical schools, hospitals, and clinics to broaden any nondiscriminatory statement made to patients, healthcare workers, or employees to include sexual orientation, sex, or perceived gender.' There was little opposition to this measure and it was suggested that a sample of an inclusive non-discrimination policy be provided for physicians to frame and display.
Finally, the Young Physicians Section had last year submitted a resolution calling for the creation of a GLBT Physician Special Interest Group within the Association. In view of the fact that the AMA already has sections, consortium, and special services representing particular interests (women, racial minorities, senior physicians, international medical graduates, etc.), it was felt that GLBT doctors needed a formal group of their own to explore specific needs as well as to legitimize certain concerns. The resolution did not make it to the full House of Delegates. Instead, the Board of Trustees decided to establish an Advisory Committee to the Board on GLBT issues, with an initial tenure of two years. While this new provision will give GLBT members increased visibility within the Association, it does not amount to the permanent forum the Young Physicians Section was seeking.