SAN FRANCISCO – In a groundbreaking legal move, California’s attorney general has taken action against a Catholic hospital, accusing Providence St. Joseph Hospital of unlawfully denying emergency abortion care to a woman facing a dire situation. The case in question involves Anna Nusslock, whose pregnancy became unviable after her water broke just 15 weeks into carrying twins.

Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed the lawsuit on Monday, filed in Humboldt County Superior Court, shedding light on the ordeal Nusslock endured. When Nusslock’s water broke in February, she was rushed to Providence in Eureka, only to be met with a refusal to provide the necessary abortion care.

Despite the doctor’s recommendation for emergency services at the University of California, San Francisco, Nusslock faced insurmountable obstacles due to financial concerns. The hospital’s stance forced her to seek help elsewhere, ultimately receiving the needed care at a different facility.

“They broke the law, and we are taking action to make sure they never do it again,” stated Bonta at a press conference.

Providence Hospital, the parent company of the accused facility, expressed intent to review the complaint, emphasizing its commitment to women’s health and wellness.

The lawsuit underscores the California Emergency Services Law, which mandates that all licensed health facilities with emergency departments provide essential care to those in need. Allegations of civil rights violations and unfair competition form the core of Bonta’s legal action.