Miami

Lambda Legal has filed a lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for the negligent and outrageous treatment towards the family of Lisa Pond, a lesbian whose partner of 18 years and their three children were not allowed to see her as she slipped into a coma and died.

A year ago Janice Langbehn's partner of nearly 18 years was pronounced brain dead after being stricken with a brain aneurysm. While at Jackson Memorial Hospital - in Miami - she was met with prejudice and apathy. Janice and her family were consistently denied visitation and didn't see her partner, Lisa Pond, until many hours after she was admitted. Lambda Legal has officially sent a notice of intent to sue to the hospital on Janice's behalf.

We saw this emotionally charged film at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival where it won Best Documentary in 2004. Paternal Instinct has since won other awards for its raw telling of a gay couple's journey though surrogacy.

Check-out this short clip from the film.