Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California, has reached a temporary agreement with the California Attorney General’s office amid a lawsuit alleging violations of state laws concerning emergency abortion care. Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit after claims that the hospital denied emergency abortion treatment to Anna Nusslock, a 15-week pregnant woman experiencing hemorrhaging.
Under the stipulated agreement, Providence St. Joseph will comply with the state’s Emergency Services Law, which mandates that hospitals cannot deny emergency care.
The hospital has agreed to provide necessary treatments, including abortion services, if a patient’s health is at serious risk. Additionally, it must ensure stabilizing care before transferring patients to other facilities.
While the hospital and its parent organization, Providence, admit no liability, Bonta expressed approval of the agreement, emphasizing the importance of access to life-saving health services.
The case stems from Nusslock’s experience in February when she was told internal policies prevented the hospital from treating her because one twin had a detectable heartbeat. She was advised to travel 12 miles to another hospital, which is set to close its labor and delivery unit soon.
This lawsuit is notable as it marks the first legal action against a hospital under the Emergency Services Law, highlighting ongoing challenges in California regarding abortion access amidst religious and personal belief exemptions in healthcare settings.