Story perspectives

California Woman Sues Hospitals Over Denied Abortions

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rachel Harrison, a California woman, filed a lawsuit against Dignity Health's Catholic hospitals for denying abortions during two PPROM pregnancies.
In 2024 and 2025, after her water broke at 17 weeks, she was sent home without treatment.
Harrison later underwent procedures at Kaiser Hospital and developed sepsis.
The lawsuit alleges Dignity Health's religious policies, including directives against abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected, caused trauma.

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Story summary

Rachel Harrison, a California woman, filed a lawsuit against Dignity Health's Catholic hospitals for denying abortions during two PPROM pregnancies.
In 2024 and 2025, after her water broke at 17 weeks, she was sent home without treatment.
Harrison later underwent procedures at Kaiser Hospital and developed sepsis.
The lawsuit alleges Dignity Health's religious policies, including directives against abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected, caused trauma.