PUEBLO, Colo.—Pueblo County authorities say an inmate gave birth to a baby boy in her cell Thursday just hours before she was set to be released.
The unidentified 38-year-old woman apparently delivered the baby on her own and then called out for help.
The Pueblo County sheriff’s office said the woman and the baby were taken to different hospitals to be checked out. Deputy Laurie Kilpatrick said she couldn’t give details on their conditions because of privacy rules.
It’s believed to be the first birth at the jail. Other inmates have given birth but were transported to hospitals for their deliveries.
The sheriff’s office said the woman was arrested when she was taken to Parkview Hospital for treatment on Monday. Staffers determined a warrant had been issued for her arrest for failing to pay a municipal fine.
The sheriff’s office said she chose to serve time in jail rather than pay the fine.
The hospital advised the jail that she pregnant and likely in her third trimester but the sheriff’s office said the woman denied that she was pregnant. The sheriff’s office said the woman received a full medical assessment on Wednesday and was due to be released at noon on Thursday.
At about 5:40 a.m., the sheriff’s office said the woman called out for medical help and deputies found her holding the baby in her arms when they arrived in her cell.
Kilpatrick said investigators will work with hospital staff and social workers to determine whether they need to intervene in the case.
