In a remarkable turn of events this week, a pregnant woman in California gave birth while en route to a hospital inside a self-driving Waymo taxi, according to Waymo representatives.
The incident unfolded as the woman was traveling to the University of California, San Francisco medical center on Monday. The Waymo rider support team, attentive to the situation, noticed unusual activity occurring within the autonomous vehicle. Promptly, they reached out to 911 and contacted the passenger to offer assistance.
In an unexpected twist, the woman ended up delivering her baby within the confines of the self-driving car, as confirmed by Waymo to Fox News Digital.
A spokesperson from Waymo expressed their pride in being part of such significant life moments, stating, “We’re proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young. We wish the new family all the best and look forward to safely transporting them through many of life’s events.”
A photograph captures a Waymo robotaxi navigating California Street in San Francisco on December 8, 2025, illustrating the integration of autonomous vehicles in daily life. (Image by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google’s parent company, opted not to disclose specific details on how their system detected something was amiss in the vehicle. The incident highlights the evolving role of technology in our everyday experiences.
The company has said it has cameras and microphones inside as well as outside the cars.
The mother, baby and vehicle arrived safely at the hospital ahead of emergency services, Waymo said.
In an aerial view, Waymo robotaxis sit parked at a Waymo facility on Dec. 8, 2025, in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Jess Berthold, a UCSF spokesperson, confirmed to The Associated Press that the mother and child were brought to the hospital.
Waymo said the vehicle was immediately taken out of service for cleaning after the ride. While still rare, this was not the first baby delivered in one of its taxis, the company added.
The news comes after Waymo issued a voluntary recall of its self-driving cars after Texas officials reported at least 19 incidents of the vehicles passing stopped school buses.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Wednesday asked Waymo to explain the Texas incidents by Jan. 20.
A Waymo robotaxi drives along The Embarcadero on Dec. 8, 2025, in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Footage provided by the Austin Independent School District shows at least 19 incidents since the school year began in which Waymo vehicles traveled past stopped school buses with flashing red lights and stop arms deployed, while pedestrians were visibly walking in nearby streets and crosswalks.
