A Catholic hospital in California is facing legal action after refusing an emergency abortion to a woman in a critical condition.
The state's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit against Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, alleging that the facility violated state law when it denied Anna Nusslock, who was 15 weeks pregnant with twins, an abortion.
According to the complaint, Nusslock's waters had broken prematurely, and doctors informed her that the pregnancy was no longer viable and that without intervention, she faced a risk of life-threatening infection or haemorrhaging.
The hospital refused to perform the procedure, due to its policy against terminating pregnancies where foetal heartbeats are still detectable. As a result, Nusslock’s doctor was unable to proceed with the abortion at that stage.
Attorney General Rob Bonta claims the hospital has violated California’s Emergency Services Law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Unfair Competition Law.
Bonta emphasised that abortion is a constitutional right in California and accused the hospital of failing to provide "life-saving treatment" to Nusslock. He further compared the hospital's actions to “heartbeat laws in extremist red states.”
“All Californians have the right to access timely and safe abortion services,” Bonta stated.
The lawsuit alleges that the hospital suggested transferring Nusslock by helicopter to San Francisco Medical Center for the procedure, an option she declined due to the estimated $40,000 cost. Instead, she was discharged and advised to seek care at a community hospital 12 miles away.
Nusslock was reportedly given a bucket and towels, should “something happen” on the journey. She was treated at Mad River Community Hospital.
In a statement to The Independent, Providence Hospital said it was “deeply committed to the health and wellness of women and pregnant patients,” adding that it provides emergency services “in accordance with state and federal law.” The hospital said it is reviewing the details alleged in the lawsuit and could not comment further due to patient confidentiality.
