California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal action against a Northern California Catholic hospital. The allegations pertain to the hospital’s refusal to provide an emergency abortion to a woman after a miscarriage.
Anna Nusslock, the patient involved, was 15 weeks pregnant with twins when her water broke. She sought medical attention at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, where her ordeal unfolded.
Case Background and Allegations
Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit in Humboldt County Superior Court. The complaint details that Anna Nusslock, in pain and bleeding, visited Providence St. Joseph Hospital, where doctors confirmed the non-viability of her pregnancy.
The complaint asserts that despite the confirmation of the miscarriage and the non-survivability of the twins, the hospital declined to perform the necessary emergency abortion. Doctors cited a policy restriction as one of the fetuses still exhibited a detectable heart tone.
Hospital’s Policy and Response
Providence St. Joseph Hospital’s policy allegedly prohibits abortions unless there’s a significant risk to the mother’s life. This policy led to the refusal of the procedure in Nusslock’s case.
A spokesperson for the hospital contested the allegations, stating, “When it comes to complex pregnancies or situations in which a woman’s life is at risk, we provide all necessary interventions to protect and save the life of the mother.” They emphasized the hospital’s commitment to following state and federal laws.
Patient’s Decision and Consequences
Nusslock was advised to be airlifted to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center—over 270 miles away. However, she declined due to potential insurance coverage issues.
Nusslock’s doctor warned her against driving, fearing she would hemorrhage and possibly die en route to another facility.
Ultimately, Nusslock and her husband opted to drive to Mad River Community Hospital, approximately 20 minutes away—the closest facility with a labour and delivery unit.
Medical Risks and Immediate Actions
Before leaving Providence, a nurse provided Nusslock with a bucket of towels for the journey. Nusslock recounted the nurse’s words, “They wanted me to give you these in case something happens in the car.”
At Mad River Community Hospital, Nusslock was taken into surgery and found to be actively hemorrhaging on the operating table.
The lawsuit claims the hospital breached state laws mandating adequate treatment for medical crises, including emergency abortions or miscarriage management.
Legal Interpretation and Geographic Challenges
Legal experts like Mary Ziegler of UC Davis School of Law interpret the emergency services law to encompass emergency abortions or miscarriage management.
Ziegler noted that in rural parts of California, the nearest medical provider might be far, posing significant risks during medical emergencies.
Attorney General’s Stance
In a news release, Bonta criticized the hospital’s policies, asserting that abortion care is healthcare and highlighting that it is a constitutional right in California.
Bonta emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring timely and safe access to abortion services, vowing to hold accountable any entity violating these rights.
Implications and Future Considerations
The incident highlights significant challenges in providing timely emergency healthcare in rural areas. The potential closure of the labour and delivery unit at Mad River Community Hospital exacerbates these concerns.
As the case proceeds, it underscores the tension between state laws and hospital policies, spotlighting the essential need for accessible emergency healthcare services.
The legal battle initiated by California Attorney General Rob Bonta brings to light critical issues surrounding emergency abortion care and hospital policies in rural areas.
The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly influence how emergency healthcare is delivered, ensuring that all patients receive the necessary care regardless of geographical and policy-related constraints.
