Texas Mother Accused of Horrific Medical Child Abuse

Authorities say she forced needless surgeries on her 3-year-old son

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:28pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a medical feeding tube against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the allegations of medical abuse.A medical feeding tube at the center of a disturbing case of alleged medical child abuse in Texas.Glen Rose Today

A Texas woman has been charged with falsifying her toddler's medical history to manipulate doctors into performing unnecessary procedures, including the surgical insertion of feeding tubes, in what officials are calling a 'sickening' medical child abuse case.

Why it matters

These types of medical child abuse cases can be difficult to detect and investigate, often slipping through the cracks of the criminal justice system. This case highlights the need for greater awareness and training around identifying and addressing medical child abuse.

The details

Kaitlyn Rose Laura, 31, faces charges of injury to a child and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly misleading medical professionals about her 3-year-old son's health to obtain a feeding tube. Authorities say video footage caught Laura telling staff her son refused to eat, while the recordings showed him eating full meals without difficulty.

  • In March 2025, Laura requested a gastrostomy tube for her son, claiming it had been recommended by another provider.
  • Between April and May, Laura reported her son was refusing solid food, vomiting and experiencing a 'deteriorating' condition.
  • On May 20, a gastrostomy tube was surgically placed on the child.
  • On May 30, the boy was readmitted after Laura reported problems with the device.
  • In February 2026, the child was removed from Laura's care after another CPS report was filed.

The players

Kaitlyn Rose Laura

A 31-year-old Texas woman charged with falsifying her toddler's medical history and manipulating doctors into performing unnecessary procedures.

Bill Waybourn

The Tarrant County Sheriff who called the alleged medical abuse a 'horrific crime' and said his own adopted daughter was once a victim of medical abuse.

Cook Children's Medical Center

The hospital where Laura's son was treated and where staff became suspicious of her claims about his medical condition.

Children's Medical Center Dallas

The hospital where Laura later sought treatment for her son and requested additional unnecessary procedures.

Child Protective Services

The agency that initially closed its case without removing the child from Laura's custody, despite concerns about medical child abuse.

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What they’re saying

“These cases are often complex and challenging to investigate, which can lead to them being overlooked within the criminal justice system.”

— Bill Waybourn, Tarrant County Sheriff

“It's absolutely sickening, when we've got a person who knowingly and intentionally simply tortures a child.”

— Bill Waybourn, Tarrant County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Kaitlyn Rose Laura out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater awareness, training, and coordination among medical professionals, law enforcement, and child protective services to identify and address complex cases of medical child abuse that can easily slip through the cracks.