A Catholic hospital in California is facing legal action after allegedly denying emergency abortion care to a woman, according to the state’s attorney general. The lawsuit was filed against Providence St. Joseph Hospital, accusing them of illegally refusing care to a woman whose pregnancy was deemed non-viable after her water broke at 15 weeks while carrying twins.
Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit, which was filed in Humboldt County Superior Court, referencing the case of Anna Nusslock. Nusslock, at 15 weeks pregnant, was turned away by Providence in Eureka when seeking an abortion after being informed that the procedure could not be performed unless her life was in danger or if both twins had no detectable heartbeats. She was then advised to seek emergency care at the University of California, San Francisco, which was financially unfeasible due to the high cost of transportation.
Upon expressing concerns about the expense, Nusslock was allegedly warned by a doctor that driving to San Francisco would result in severe complications. Subsequently, she was transferred to Mad River Community Hospital, where she underwent the abortion procedure. The incident shed light on the impending closure of the labor and delivery unit at the hospital.
In response, a spokesperson for Providence Hospital issued a statement affirming its commitment to providing emergency services to all patients in compliance with state and federal laws. The lawsuit filed by Bonta alleges violations of California’s Emergency Services Law and asserts that all licensed health facilities with emergency departments must offer emergency care to those in need.
The legal action seeks to address the alleged violations of state civil rights and unfair competition laws. Bonta stated during a news conference that the aim is to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The hospital’s parent company, Providence, is currently reviewing the complaint while maintaining its dedication to the health and wellbeing of women and pregnant patients.