California AG Sues Catholic Hospital Over Denied Emergency Abortion

California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit against Providence St. Joseph Hospital for denying an emergency abortion to Anna Nusslock. The lawsuit claims the hospital's actions violated state law and subjected Nusslock to severe health risks. Bonta's case highlights ongoing legal battles over abortion access.

California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, on Monday filed a lawsuit against Providence St. Joseph Hospital, a Catholic-affiliated institution, for allegedly refusing to provide an emergency abortion in February to Anna Nusslock after her water broke prematurely, putting her at serious health risk.

In the suit, filed in Humboldt County Superior Court, Bonta claims that the Eureka-based hospital discriminated against Nusslock and violated California state law, which mandates that hospitals must provide necessary emergency care, including abortions. The state seeks a court order to prevent the hospital from denying medically necessary abortions in the future, as well as civil penalties. The hospital did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.

Nusslock, who was pregnant with twins, had to be transferred to another hospital 12 miles away and was hemorrhaging by the time she arrived. She stated that doctors at Providence acknowledged the need for an abortion but refused to perform it due to hospital policy, which prohibits intervention unless a patient's life is in immediate danger and fetal heart tones are detected. Bonta emphasized the cruelty of the hospital's actions and called for strict adherence to the law.

(With inputs from agencies.)