Woman in Coma Gives Birth

 

LYLLI DUONG Staff Writer

 

On Dec. 29, one of the patients at the Hacienda HealthCare facility in Arizona gave birth while in a coma. Nathan Sutherland, a nurse at the facility, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of vulnerable adult abuse. According to CNN, Sutherland’s bond is set at $500,000 and his next court appearance is Jan. 30. Along with Sutherland, there were two doctors that no longer work at the facility.

One of the doctors resigned, while the other is suspended. Thanks to the DNA provided by Sutherland, investigators were able to confirm that the baby and Sutherland had similar DNA. If Sutherland is able to post bond, he will be under house arrest and will have to wear an electronic bracelet while waiting his trial.

Sutherland had worked in the facility since 2012 and had to undergo an extensive background check before he was hired. He was fired on Wednesday morning after the company was notified of his arrest. According to the doctor who gave the patient her yearly check up 37 weeks prior to the birth, there were no changes to the conditions of her health. The patient had been a in the facility since 1992 and is 29 years old.