California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed approval following a Humboldt County Superior Court decision, which rejected Providence St. Joseph Hospital's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state. The lawsuit accuses the hospital of violating laws by refusing emergency abortion care for obstetric emergencies in Eureka, California.
"There was no legal basis to dismiss our lawsuit against Providence, and we are grateful that the court agreed with us on every ground," stated Attorney General Bonta. He emphasized California's commitment to reproductive rights, including emergency abortion care, and referenced Anna Nusslock’s case as an example of the hospital's refusal to provide necessary treatment.
Providence argued that California's Emergency Services Law violated its religious rights and claimed insufficient grounds under other laws like the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Unfair Competition Law. However, the court overruled all arguments presented in Providence’s demurrer.
Attorney General Bonta had previously secured a stipulation from Providence on October 29, 2024, ensuring compliance with California law during the proceedings. Oral arguments were held on February 14, 2025, leading to this recent decision.
A copy of the court’s decision is available online.