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A woman who has been in a coma for over 10 years has given birth, according to reports.

Authorities in Arizona, in the US, have launched a sexual abuse investigation as they try to establish how the woman became pregnant and who fathered the child.

AZ Family reports the patient, who is not being identified, has been in a vegetative state for 14 years after nearly drowning.

But the news channel said last month she reportedly gave birth to a baby at a nursing facility in Phoenix.

They said the baby was born on December 29 and is doing well.

The mum is claimed to be a patient at Hacienda HealthCare in Phoenix.

A source told AZ Family that "none of the staff were aware that she was pregnant until she was pretty much giving birth".

The source said: "From what I’ve been told she was moaning. And they didn’t know what was wrong with her."

It is alleged access to the new mum's room has now been restricted, despite her needing round the clock care.

Male staff needing to enter female rooms must be accompanied by a female employee, the source said.

Hacienda HealthCare is not commenting beyond a routine statement.

It told Fox News all questions must be referred to the CEO of the nursing facility.

A spokesman for Hacienda said the business "has an outstanding reputation providing high quality specialised care for our patients".

They added: "As a Healthcare provider, we cannot comment on any patient due to Federal and State privacy laws.

"Additionally, we cannot comment on any ongoing investigations.

"We can say that our patients and clients health and safety is our number 1 priority and that we always cooperate, when asked by any agency, in an open and transparent way."