A woman accused of trying to abort her unborn child at six months of pregnancy with a coat hanger is now facing a lesser charge than the original count of attempted first-degree murder.

31 Year old Anna Yocca of Murfreesboro now faces charges of aggravated assault with a weapon, attempted procurement of a miscarriage and attempted criminal abortion. The charges were handed down by the November Grand Jury.

In 2015, Yocca was taken to St. Thomas Rutherford Medical Center in Murfreesboro by her boyfriend after she became alarmed at the amount of blood in the bathtub after allegedly trying to abort her child. Medical staff later transferred Yocca to St. Thomas Mid-Town in Nashville where she could receive more extensive treatment, which is where the 1.5 lb baby was not only born, but also saved by doctors.

Several nurses and doctors told Murfreesboro detectives that Yocca made disturbing statements regarding Baby Yocca and wanting to terminate the pregnancy. Doctors indicated the quality of life for the newborn would be forever harmed due to the reported actions by the mother. The medical staff said that the child has medical issues with his lungs, eyes and heart due to damage allegedly caused by Yocca with the coat hanger.

Yocca is scheduled to file a plea before the courts just four days before Christmas. She is currently being held in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. The child was turned over the the Department of Children Services.

Source:

MPD ARREST REPORT #15-19815
Court Docket 2016 - November