On Dec. 8, a San Francisco woman gave birth inside a Waymo fully autonomous vehicle while heading to UCSF Medical Center. Waymo's remote Rider Support Team detected "unusual activity," contacted the rider and called 911; first responders arrived and the pair were taken to the hospital. Waymo removed the vehicle from service for cleaning and said such births are rare, offering well wishes to the family. The incident occurs amid increased scrutiny and an NHTSA inquiry into a reported school-bus passing incident.
Woman Delivers Baby Inside Waymo Self-Driving Car En Route To San Francisco Hospital
10:01 PM, 12/10/2025
Smith Collection/Gado/GettyA photo of a Waymo self-driving car in San Fransisco
On Dec. 8, a San Francisco woman unexpectedly delivered a baby inside one of Waymo's fully autonomous vehicles while traveling to UCSF Medical Center.
How It Unfolded
During the trip, Waymo's remote Rider Support Team detected "unusual activity" and placed a welfare-check call. The rider informed the team she had gone into labor, and Waymo then contacted 911. First responders arrived while the vehicle continued the short trip to the hospital; both mother and newborn were subsequently transported into UCSF Medical Center for care.
GettyA generic photo of a pregnant woman
The baby was born successfully inside the driverless car, and hospital staff provided follow-up care once the pair arrived. Waymo removed the vehicle from service and arranged for it to be cleaned after the incident.
"This is not the first baby to be born inside a Waymo vehicle. While it's a rare occurrence... some of our newest riders just can't wait to experience their first ride," Waymo told WABC, adding it was "proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small" and wishing the family well.
Broader Context
The event comes as Waymo faces heightened scrutiny after several recent operational incidents. Footage surfaced showing a Waymo vehicle reportedly passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, prompting a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) inquiry. Waymo told ABC News the bus incident resulted from a software issue and said it implemented updates to address the problem. Local outlets also reported other incidents this month involving traffic disruptions and a rider complaint about incorrect system behavior.
Justin Sullivan/GettyA Waymo robotaxi drives along California Street on December 08, 2025
While the in-car birth is an uncommon human-interest moment, it highlights both the practical role remote support can play and the continuing questions about oversight and safety as autonomous ride services expand.
Reported by WABC, KRON4 and The San Francisco Chronicle; People sought comment from Waymo.
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