Her miscarriage showed the limits of California’s abortion protections. Where you live matters
Summary
The article reports on a legal battle between California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Providence, a major Catholic health system, over the hospital’s refusal to provide an emergency abortion for Anna Nusslock . The state alleges that Providence violated California's health and civil rights laws by denying stabilizing care to a patient facing pregnancy complications. Providence has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that its Catholic directives are constitutionally protected, but a judge has allowed the case to proceed. The outcome could have significant implications for how religious hospitals operate in California, particularly as they control a large portion of maternity care in rural areas.
Relevance
This case illustrates the conflict between religiously affiliated hospital policies and state healthcare laws. It also highlights the limited options patients face when Catholic hospitals dominate rural healthcare networks.