California Sues Catholic Hospital Over Denied Emergency Abortion

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka for allegedly refusing to provide an emergency abortion to chiropractor Anna Nusslock in February. The lawsuit claims the hospital's policy violated state law requiring necessary emergency care and seeks to prevent future denials.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka on Monday. The suit accuses the Catholic hospital of denying an emergency abortion to a woman in February, allegedly violating state laws mandating necessary emergency care.

The case centers on chiropractor Anna Nusslock, whose water broke prematurely, posing a severe health risk. Doctors at Providence acknowledged her need for an abortion but cited hospital policy against interventions while fetal heart tones are detected unless the patient's life is in immediate danger.

Nusslock was ultimately transferred to another hospital, enduring significant hemorrhaging during the journey. Attorney General Bonta asserts that such policies inflict unnecessary suffering and run contrary to California law. The lawsuit seeks to ensure compliance with state healthcare regulations.

(With inputs from agencies.)