Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has reached a stipulation with Providence St. Joseph Hospital to ensure compliance with California's Emergency Services Law (ESL) while a lawsuit against the hospital continues. The legal action accuses the hospital of violating multiple laws, including denying emergency abortion care to pregnant patients.

The stipulation resolves Attorney General Bonta's motion for a preliminary injunction as Providence voluntarily agreed to adhere to all requested terms in the proposed injunction. This agreement is pending court approval, and the lawsuit remains active.

"While Providence St. Joseph should have been complying with state law up to now, thereby avoiding the harm and trauma to Californians they caused, I am pleased that the hospital has agreed to fully comply with the law going forward, ensuring access to life-saving health services including emergency abortion care," said Attorney General Bonta. "At the California Department of Justice, we believe that abortion care is healthcare. We will ensure that this right is upheld and will continue to hold accountable those who break the law."

As part of the stipulation, Providence Hospital must allow physicians to terminate pregnancies when necessary for patient health according to professional judgment. The hospital must also comply with ESL's pre-transfer treatment requirements and cannot transfer pregnant patients without first providing necessary emergency services.

Additionally, Providence must follow policy and protocol requirements under Health & Safety Code section 1317.2 and cannot discharge patients with instructions for self-transportation without following applicable protocols set by the California Department of Public Health.

Providence agrees "without admitting any liability related to the claims asserted in this Action and consistent with its high standards for safe, quality, compassionate care; and the People, without waiving any allegations regarding the hospital's prior conduct as detailed in the Complaint," it will fully comply with California’s ESL concerning pregnant patients experiencing emergency medical conditions.

A copy of this stipulation is available online.