Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the state's readiness to defend reproductive rights at a hearing concerning Providence St. Joseph Hospital's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The lawsuit accuses the hospital of violating several laws by denying emergency abortion care to pregnant patients.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the DOJ's commitment, stating, "At the California Department of Justice, we are fully committed to protecting reproductive rights. Whether threats to those rights are coming from Washington D.C. or within California, we will not back down." He added that there is no legal basis for dismissing the case and anticipates presenting their arguments at the upcoming hearing.

The lawsuit was initially announced on September 30, 2024, in Eureka, California, and filed in Humboldt County Superior Court. It alleges that Providence violated California’s Emergency Services Law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Unfair Competition Law. A notable incident involved patient Anna Nusslock, whose water broke when she was 15 weeks pregnant with twins on February 23, 2024. Despite her critical condition and non-viable pregnancy, Providence refused treatment. Nusslock had to travel 12 miles to Mad River Community Hospital while actively hemorrhaging.

Following Mad River Community Hospital's closure of its labor and delivery unit in October 2024, Providence remains the sole option for women in Humboldt County needing such services. This situation raises concerns about future patients facing lengthy travel or waiting until their conditions worsen before receiving necessary care.

On October 29, 2024, Attorney General Bonta secured an agreement from Providence ensuring compliance with California law during ongoing proceedings.

A copy of the People's Opposition to Defendant's Demurrer regarding Providence’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit is available online.