UPDATE: A court hearing on December 10, 2025, has cleared the way for Anna Nusslock to pursue her civil case against St. Joseph Health Northern California and its parent entities. The ruling allows Nusslock to hold both the local Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka and its parent organizations accountable for their alleged role in denying her emergency abortion care.
Nusslock, a chiropractor from the Eureka area, was denied critical medical assistance in June 2024 while experiencing a miscarriage at 15 weeks pregnant. She was forced to travel 12 miles to another facility while actively hemorrhaging, highlighting urgent concerns around the accessibility of emergency care in rural areas.
“This is a significant win for us,” said Kenna Titus, a legal fellow with the National Women’s Law Center, representing Nusslock. “We aim to hold the entire Providence St. Joseph Health System accountable.” The ruling counters previous arguments by the hospital system’s lawyers, who claimed the parent entities were not liable as they did not provide direct care.
The court’s decision enables the case to move forward, focusing on all but two of the claims made against the defendants. Nusslock expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, “I’m really excited that we’re going to be able to help as many people as possible.”
Court documents reveal that Nusslock was offered only a bucket and towels during her medical emergency, a decision that has drawn widespread criticism. “This is not just an issue for Humboldt County; it’s a nationwide problem,” Titus emphasized, referencing the alarming trend of hospital consolidations that leave rural populations vulnerable.
The Providence Health System, one of the largest hospital operators in the U.S., operates 51 hospitals and 1,000 clinics across several states. In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson stated, “We believe we clearly demonstrated that St. Joseph Hospital fully complied with the law.” They maintain adherence to state regulations and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care.
The defendants now have 30 days to respond to the amended complaint, as the case enters the discovery phase. A court date is set for next year.
The implications of this case extend beyond Nusslock, affecting pregnant individuals across the country who face similar challenges. As rural healthcare continues to struggle with provider shortages, this case underscores the critical need for systemic reform in hospital policies nationwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
