California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a statement ahead of a court hearing scheduled for tomorrow in the case People of the State of California v. St. Joseph Health Northern California. The case concerns allegations that Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California, violated state laws by refusing to provide emergency abortion care when medically necessary.
Attorney General Bonta filed the lawsuit on September 30, 2024, in Humboldt County Superior Court. The complaint alleges violations of California’s Emergency Services Law—comparable to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)—as well as the Unruh Civil Rights Act. On October 29, 2024, Providence agreed through a voluntary stipulation to provide access to emergency abortion care, and the court ordered Providence to comply with these terms.
On June 5, 2025, Attorney General Bonta filed a motion to enforce this stipulation after Providence attempted to change or dissolve it. This issue will be addressed at tomorrow’s hearing.
“Providence is attempting to go back on its word. It agreed to provide emergency abortion care, yet it is now asking the court to allow it to reverse course. This is not only disappointing, it’s troubling: It stands to put the women of Humboldt County back in harm’s way,” said Attorney General Bonta. “My team and I look forward to tomorrow’s hearing. We firmly believe that Providence is in the wrong. Earlier this year, we successfully blocked Providence’s meritless attempt to dismiss our lawsuit, and I am confident that we will prevail again. Whether the attacks are coming from the Trump Administration or from within our state, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that California remains a safe haven for those seeking essential reproductive healthcare.”
Providence St. Joseph Hospital is currently the only hospital offering emergency abortion services in Humboldt County.
The Attorney General’s office has invited individuals who were denied an abortion during a medical emergency—or any other form of emergency medical care—to contact them at abortion.access@doj.ca.gov. Additionally, Attorney General Bonta recently announced a statewide survey designed to assess how hospital emergency departments are complying with laws regarding emergency reproductive healthcare; findings from this survey will help guide oversight and enforcement efforts across California.
A copy of Attorney General Bonta’s latest filing—a consolidated brief supporting his motion—can be accessed online.
The hearing will take place at 10:30 AM PT tomorrow in Department 4 of Humboldt County Superior Court and will also be accessible virtually.
