California Attorney General Rob Bonta has reached a stipulation with Providence St. Joseph Hospital to ensure the hospital complies with California's Emergency Services Law (ESL) as legal proceedings continue. The stipulation comes in response to an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Attorney General, alleging that the hospital violated multiple laws, including denying emergency abortion care to pregnant patients as a matter of policy.
The stipulation, pending court approval, resolves the Attorney General's preliminary injunction motion. Providence has agreed to adhere voluntarily to all terms requested in the proposed injunction. However, the lawsuit itself remains active.
Attorney General Bonta commented on the development: “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.” He emphasized that at the California Department of Justice, "we believe that abortion care is healthcare."
The agreement requires Providence Hospital to permit physicians to terminate pregnancies when necessary for a patient's health and mandates compliance with ESL’s pre-transfer treatment requirements. This includes not transferring pregnant patients without first providing necessary emergency services and care.
Furthermore, Providence must follow specific protocols under Health & Safety Code section 1317.2 and cannot discharge patients with instructions for self-transportation to other facilities.
The stipulation states that while Providence does not admit any liability related to claims in this action and maintains its commitment to high standards of care, it agrees "to fully comply with California’s ESL" regarding pregnant patients experiencing emergency medical conditions.
A copy of the stipulation is available for public review.