UPDATE: A pivotal hearing on Monday, December 10, 2025, has allowed the civil case of Anna Nusslock v. St. Joseph Health Northern California to proceed against the local Providence St. Joseph Hospital and its parent entities. This significant ruling comes as attorneys aim to hold the entire health system accountable for alleged discriminatory practices regarding abortion care.
Nusslock, a chiropractor from Eureka, was denied emergency abortion care in 2024 while experiencing a miscarriage. The denial forced her and her husband to travel over 12 miles to another facility while she was actively hemorrhaging. This case has drawn attention to the broader issues of healthcare access in rural areas, particularly for pregnant individuals.
The court’s decision is a response to the hospital’s previous claims that its parent companies could not be sued because they are not licensed healthcare providers. However, Nusslock’s attorneys from the National Women’s Law Center refuted this, stating that the parent entities enforce policies affecting patient care.
“Today’s ruling is heartening,” Nusslock stated after the hearing. “It allows us to hold the parent companies accountable for the policies that led to my suffering.” Her attorneys assert that the case highlights a larger systemic issue affecting healthcare quality across the West Coast and nationally.
Kenna Titus, a legal fellow with the NWLC, emphasized the urgency of the case, stating, “They’re one of the largest hospital systems in the U.S. and are responsible for setting and enforcing these harmful policies.” The case is now set to move forward with most claims against the defendants, except for two related to California’s Emergency Services Law, which the court interpreted narrowly.
The defendants now have 30 days to respond to the amended complaint, as the case enters the discovery phase with a court date scheduled for next year. Titus noted that hospital consolidations and closures are leaving rural communities vulnerable, a problem that extends beyond Humboldt County.
In a statement, Providence St. Joseph Hospital defended its actions, claiming compliance with state laws and ethical guidelines. “We believe we clearly demonstrated that St. Joseph Hospital fully complied with the law,” spokesperson Shannon Garcia said in an email.
The implications of this case are far-reaching, touching on access to critical healthcare services in underserved areas. As the legal battle unfolds, Nusslock and her team are determined to advocate for changes that could benefit many others facing similar challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
