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NWLC Announces Legal Representation of Anna Nusslock in Emergency Abortion Care Refusal Case
Sacramento, CA — Sept. 30, 2024 — The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) announced it would represent Anna Nusslock, a California woman who was unjustly – and illegally – denied emergency abortion care at a local hospital despite facing a life-threatening medical emergency.
On Feb. 23, 2024, Anna experienced severe pregnancy-related complications that required immediate intervention. She was driven to Providence St. Joseph Hospital, which refused to allow her doctor to provide the abortion care she needed and was entitled to under law, citing its Catholic hospital policies. The refusal put Anna’s health and life at risk.
“I’m sharing my story not just to seek justice for myself, but for every pregnant person who might find themselves in the same terrifying situation,” said Anna Nusslock. “This fight is for everyone who may not have the resources, support, or platform I have.”
The California Attorney General’s office is suing Providence Hospital for violating state laws that require hospitals to provide emergency care.
“In California, state law is clear: hospitals are required to provide emergency, lifesaving care. No exceptions,” saidK. M. Bell, one of Anna’s attorneys and senior litigation counsel at NWLC. “Religious refusals to provide care are an increasing problem in this country, especially after Dobbs. Hospitals should not be allowed to discriminate or risk patients’ lives.”
“Providence’s refusal to comply with state law is a particularly pressing issue here in remote Humbolt County, where our community has limited access to healthcare providers,” said Megan Yarnall of the law firm Jassen Malloy LLP, who is also representing Anna. “With Mad River Hospital set to close its labor and delivery ward next month, patients like Anna will have nowhere else to turn for critical care.”
Anna’s case underscores a growing national crisis as some hospitals — even those subject to federal regulations like the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) or in states that otherwise protect abortion access — refuse essential abortion care in life-threatening situations.
This is NWLC’s second emergency abortion care refusal case; we are also representing Mylissa Farmer, who was denied care at multiple hospitals while experiencing a medical emergency. NWLC has since filed a lawsuit on her behalf against the University of Kansas Health System.