US: Probe launched into comatose woman’s pregnancy

Patient at health facility gives birth despite being in coma for decade, prompting investigation into possible sexual abuse

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) – An investigation into possible sexual abuse has been launched after a patient in a long-term coma at a nursing facility in Arizona gave birth last weekend, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) said Friday.

Local reports say the alleged victim is a patient at the Hacienda HealthCare facility in Phoenix and has been in a vegetative state for a decade after a near-drowning incident.

Last Thursday, she gave birth to a baby boy.

Investigators have kept quiet on the case, but local news outlets reported that at some point last spring or summer, a man sexually assaulted the woman and she became pregnant.

The DES is working on the investigation in coordination with the Phoenix Police Department.

"Upon hearing of these allegations, we immediately dispatched a team to conduct health and safety checks on all members residing at this healthcare facility, which has been completed," the DES told Anadolu Agency.

"We will continue to work to ensure the safety of all our members."

Hacienda HealthCare said it became aware of the "deeply disturbing" incident and while the agency could not publicly discuss the patient's case, they were cooperating with law enforcement.

"As an organization, Hacienda HealthCare stands fully committed to getting to the truth of what, for us, represents an unprecedented matter," the healthcare company said in a statement to Anadolu Agency.

"We are already conducting a comprehensive internal review of our processes, protocols and people to ensure that every single Hacienda resident is as safe and well cared for as possible. Anything less than that is unacceptable to our team, our company’s leaders and the communities we serve."

On their website, the healthcare agency says it specializes in caring for "medically fragile and chronically ill infants, children, teens and young adults" and works with over 2,500 people each year through its programs and services.

*Michael Hernandez contributed to this story

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