A woman who has been in a persistent vegetative state for more than 14 years gave birth last month at a healthcare facility in Phoenix, Arizona, leading police to believe she was raped.
The unidentified woman at Hacienda Healthcare gave birth to a baby boy on Dec. 29. The child is alive, but his condition is currently unknown.
Sources tell KPHO that the woman had been at the facility for at least the last ten years after a near-drowning incident that left her in the vegetative state.
Staff members weren't even aware the woman was pregnant until she began moaning, and then went into labor. Because the unidentified patient requires round-the-clock care, many people would have had access to her room.
"We are aware of this situation and are actively working with local law enforcement in their criminal investigation." the Arizona Department of Health Services said in a statement. "Upon learning of the allegation, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) immediately initiated an onsite complaint investigation to ensure the health and safety of the patients and ensure the facility is in compliance with all state laws and regulations."
Following the incident, the facility has reportedly changed some its policies, according to AZFamily. If male orderlies need to go into a female patient's room, they will now need to bring a female employee in with them.