Anspach ex rel. Anspach v. City of Philadelphia, Department of Public Health
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
503 F.3d 256 (2007)
- Written by Caitlinn Raimo, JD
Facts
Melissa, a 16-year-old girl, visited a Philadelphia public-health center (the center) (defendant), believing she might be pregnant and seeking an emergency contraceptive. The center was aware that Melissa was a minor. Melissa spoke with Maria Federova (defendant), a social worker, who confirmed that the center could provide the emergency contraceptive, which Melissa indicated she wanted. Melissa took the first dose of the medication in the presence of nurse Mary Gilmore (defendant), who provided the pills and instructions on how to take them. Melissa took the second dose at her home several hours later. After that, Melissa experienced severe stomach pains and vomiting, and her parents (plaintiffs) learned of the emergency contraceptive she had taken. Melissa was treated in the hospital for the complications. Melissa’s parents sued, alleging various state-law claims as well as that the center and its employees interfered with their family relations, violating their substantive-due-process rights. The parents argued that the center should have asked Melissa whether her parents were aware of the situation and encouraged her to contact them prior to providing the medication. The district court dismissed all the parents’ claims and remanded the state-law claims to state court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (McKee, J.)
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