A woman originally charged with attempted murder has been arraigned in court on a lesser charge of aggravated assault after allegedly trying to abort her own fetus.
According to reports, 31-year-old Anna Marie Yocca allegedly filled a bathtub with a few inches of water then used a coat hanger to attempt the abortion.
That’s when officials said the amount of blood alarmed her, and her boyfriend took her to the emergency room at St. Thomas Rutherford hospital.
From the Murfreesboro hospital, Yocca was transferred to St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville where doctors were able to save the baby who weighed 1.5 pounds at birth.
According to nurses and doctors, Yocca made disturbing statements about the baby and wanting to end the pregnancy. She allegedly attempted the abortion at 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
The baby was saved, but officials said the baby will require medical attention. Authorities confirmed the baby had damage to the lungs, eyes, and heart due to Yocca’s actions and the coat hanger.
Yocca has been scheduled to appear in court May 25 for a plea agreement.
