California Catholic hospital illegally denied emergency abortion, state attorney general says

SAN FRANCISCO – California’s attorney general is suing a Catholic hospital, saying Providence St. Joseph Hospital illegally denied emergency abortion care to a woman whose pregnancy was no longer viable after her water broke 15 weeks after carrying twins.

Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit Monday, which was filed that day in Humboldt County Superior Court and details the case of Anna Nusslock. In February, Nusslock was 15 weeks pregnant when her water broke and was rushed to Providence in Eureka, where she lives.

According to the complaint, the hospital doctor told Nusslock he could not perform an abortion “as long as one of Anna’s twins had detectable heart sounds, unless Anna’s life was is in sufficient danger.” The doctor recommended he take a helicopter to the University of California, San Francisco for emergency services. But she doubted her insurance would cover the $40,000 cost of the trip.

She asked if she could drive to UCSF, and the doctor told her that if she drove 270 miles (435 kilometers) south, or about five hours, to San Francisco, she would “hemorrhage.” and would die,” according to the complaint. Nussbaum was transferred to Mad River Community Hospital, 12 miles away, where she underwent an abortion in a labor and delivery unit that is expected to close this month, according to Bonta’s office.

“They broke the law and we are taking steps to make sure they don’t do it again,” Bonta told a news conference.

A spokesperson for Providence Hospital, the hospital’s parent company, said in a statement that it was investigating the complaint.

“Providence is deeply committed to the health and well-being of pregnant women and patients and provides emergency services to all who pass through our doors in accordance with state and federal laws,” according to the release.

Bonta’s lawsuit says California’s emergency services law prohibits “the type of patient abandonment (Nusslock) experienced and requires all licensed health care facilities” with an emergency department to provide emergency care. emergency to those who need it. The lawsuit alleges violations of state civil rights and unfair competition laws.