January 4, 2011

HIV-Positive Wisconsin Woman Denied Surgery Settles Lawsuit

An HIV-positive woman in Wisconsin who was denied gallbladder surgery because of her status has settled her discrimination lawsuit against the doctor and center refusing her treatment, according to a statement from Lambda Legal, which represented the plaintiff. In 2008, Melody Rose was referred to the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, a facility operated by Agnesian HealthCare, for a routine gallbladder removal surgery. However, after learning she had HIV, Steven M. Cahee, MD, refused to operate, citing health concerns. Rose subsequently sought and received treatment at another facility. The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin assisted Lambda Legal with this case.

To read the Lambda Legal statement, click here.

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