Calif. Pact Keeps Abortion Ban at Nonprofit Hospital

An agreement with California’s attorney general will allow an Orange County hospital to maintain a ban on elective abortions implemented after it merged with a Catholic medical network last year, the Los Angeles Times writes.

The deal announced Friday requires Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach to help female patients access abortion services elsewhere and doubles to 20 years the time Hoag must continue to provide all other reproductive health services, even if they conflict with the religious policies of its owner, St. Joseph Health.

The pact grew out of protests from doctors and women’s health groups when Hoag restricted abortion services last spring. Critics said the hospital had misrepresented the impact on reproductive care of its merger with St. Joseph.

“We spent several months investigating those allegations and negotiating with Hoag,” said Jill Habig, a special assistant attorney general. “The agreement addresses the concerns that were raised and takes several affirmative steps to ensure women’s access to reproductive healthcare.”