McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, Oklahoma, has released a statement following a surge of unusual inquiries after its appearance in Netflix's true crime documentary Maternal Instinct. The hospital featured in the disturbing case of Taylor Parker, who was brought there after officers found her traveling along a highway with a newborn infant. Parker claimed she had just given birth and needed medical care, but hospital staff determined she had never been pregnant.
In reality, Parker had killed the baby's mother, Reagan Simmons-Hancock, and extracted the unborn baby girl, Braxlynn, from her womb. She fled the scene with the infant while Simmons-Hancock was left dying. The documentary's release has led viewers to request tours of the hospital, which the administration has firmly rejected.
Hospital Statement on Public Interest
In a Facebook post, the hospital stated: "McCurtain Memorial Hospital is aware of the renewed public interest surrounding a documentary on a popular streaming platform that revisits the tragic murder of a young mother and the death of her unborn child in New Boston, Texas." The statement added: "Since the documentary's release, we have received inquiries from individuals seeking to visit our hospital, view areas associated with the events depicted, and speak with or photograph members of our medical team."
The hospital emphasized that the events are not a source of entertainment or tourism. "While the events portrayed were real and remain a matter of public record, they also represent one of the most painful chapters in the lives of the victim's family, the New Boston community, and the healthcare professionals who responded that day. For many, the emotional impact of this tragedy has never fully faded."
Respect for Victims and Staff
The statement continued: "Out of respect for those affected, including the family, our staff, and the community, McCurtain Memorial Hospital will not participate in interviews, photo opportunities, tours, or discussions related to these events." The hospital also paid tribute to Simmons-Hancock and her baby, acknowledging the lasting impact on first responders and medical staff. "The New Boston community will forever carry the scars of this loss, and many members of our team continue to carry those memories as well."
In 2022, Parker was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Despite appeals, she remains on death row in Texas. Maternal Instinct is currently streaming on Netflix.
