ABSTRACT
Two Minnesota lesbians continue to be embroiled in a battle over the rights of lesbians to care for their ill or disabled lovers, in a case that could have wider implications for AIDS patients. In 1983, Kowalski, a 28-year-old faculty member at St. Cloud State University, was critically injured in an accident with a drunken driver, which resulted in her suffering serious brain stem injury. When Kowalski's parents began questioning and limiting Thompson's visiting hours, a psychologist recommended that Thompson be open with Kowalski's parents about her relationship with their daughter, so that they could understand her intense concern. Since that time the family has moved Kowalski farther and farther from Saint Cloud, requiring that Thompson drive as much as seven hours to be with her. While Kowalski rarely responds to others, she is very responsive with Thompson. Court affidavits filed by Kowalski's doctors have stated that "Karen is the key to Sharon's recovery."
