About GCCWA
What is Guaranteed Comprehensive Health Care in Washington State about?
Washington is one of the most progressive states for patient’s rights and the scope of health care options. Patients receiving care expect treatment to be based on sound medical counsel, informed consent, a trusting patient-provider relationship, and the right to patient autonomy. (Link)
Presently, almost 50% of hospital beds in our state are governed by Ethical and Religious Directives of the Catholic church. These directives dictate the care given or denied in all Catholic and Catholic affiliated hospitals. Access to care should not be based on religious restrictions rather should be guided by medical evidence and clinical principles. The basic tenants of comprehensive health care are patient-focused and compassionate. Patients should not be forced to forfeit their autonomy and accept care based on someone else’s religious beliefs or governed by their religious directives. The restrictions limit abortion and reproductive rights in all forms. These include contraception from birth control pills, IUD’s and sterilization. Infertility care treatment and surrogacy are forbidden. Gender affirming care is strictly forbidden, both surgically and with hormonal treatment. Denied or delayed miscarriage care has increased the risk of pregnancy dramatically in our state. Lack of informed consent and withholding care that is legal and available in our state are often in direct conflict with standard medical practice as well as medical ethics.
End of Life decisions such as patient directed dying (Death with Dignity) are denied.
Judith A. Chelotti, ARNP (retired)
My name is Judith Chelotti, founder of Guaranteed Comprehensive Health Care in Washington State. I have 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and am a Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.
My education was completed with a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Ten years ago, I retired from nursing practice. Prior to retirement, my varied work experience included, critical care, correctional and military health care, pediatrics, primary care and women’s health care.
Community health was a strong component of my nursing education. The State of Washington, as a patient, is in crisis. Many patients are being denied needed health care due to religious based directives. These directives are imposed in all Catholic and Catholic affiliated health care delivery systems. Many are suffering and some are dying in our state due to these restrictions. I am compelled to act because “once a nurse, always a nurse.”
I live in Buckley where I joined the 31st Democratic Legislative District. I am a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO), an elected position in our state. As a recent delegate at the Democratic state-convention I had the opportunity to author a resolution – Guaranteed Comprehensive Health Care in Washington State – which addresses religious based restrictions on needed care. My hope is that this will be used as the basis for meaningful and protective legislative action in Washington.
I will continue to fight for the rights of all patients. Health care in our state must be guaranteed, comprehensive, patient directed and with unimpeded informed consent. Finally, health care should be provided in consultation with a health care provider, not regulated by others.
