**California Sues Eureka Hospital for Allegedly Refusing Emergency Abortion Care**

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a lawsuit against Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka for allegedly refusing to provide emergency abortion services to women facing life-threatening situations. The lawsuit, filed in Humboldt County Superior Court, accuses the Catholic hospital of violating several state laws by not offering urgent abortion care during obstetric emergencies.

The case highlights the experience of Anna Nusslock, a 35-year-old healthcare professional who alleges she was denied necessary emergency abortion care at the hospital. In February 2024, Nusslock’s water broke at 15 weeks pregnant with twins. Doctors at Providence St. Joseph reportedly informed her that abortion was the only viable option but could not perform the procedure due to hospital policy, despite the risks to her health.

“Without abortion care, I risked infection or hemorrhage, both of which are so dangerous to my health and my life, and increased with every minute that passed,” Nusslock stated during a press conference. She further claimed that the hospital staff provided her with a bucket and towels for her journey to another hospital 12 miles away where the procedure could be performed legally.

Once she reached the smaller community hospital, Nusslock said she began hemorrhaging and required immediate surgery to terminate the pregnancy. Attorney General Bonta argues that Providence’s policy of refusing emergency abortion care, even when the pregnancy is not viable, is in direct violation of California laws that guarantee pregnant patients the same rights to emergency healthcare as others.

Bonta is seeking a court order to compel Providence St. Joseph to provide emergency abortion care promptly. "This policy, let's make no mistake, is draconian," Bonta declared, emphasizing that such a stance is incompatible with institutions meant to offer accessible and equitable healthcare.

Responding to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Providence St. Joseph Hospital emphasized the hospital’s commitment to the health and wellness of women and pregnant patients, asserting that they comply with state and federal laws regarding emergency services. The spokesperson expressed the hospital’s surprise at the lawsuit and noted that it was under review to understand the allegations fully.

"As part of our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care, we review every event that may not have met our patient needs or expectations to understand what happened and take appropriate steps to meet those needs and expectations for every patient we encounter," the spokesperson added.