North Carolina Woman Turned Away At Hospital Gives Birth In Gas Station

Author Melanie Day

March 30th, 2022 10:39 AM

BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 13: A general view of a petrol station as gasoline prices went up at over EUR 2.00 per litre on March 13, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. The ongoing war in Ukraine coupled with the possibility of oil-related sanctions against Russia has caused international petroleum prices to jump. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

It was not the birth she had planned. After being turned away at a local hospital (twice) a North Carolina woman gave birth at a gas station. Lauren Banks went to CarolinaEast in New Bern when she started having contractions at 39 weeks pregnant. The hospital told her she could not be admitted so Banks and her husband Steve headed back. The couple returned to the hospital an hour later where they were yet again turned away.

Just 30 minutes after returning home for the second time Banks’ water broke. This time they were unable to make it back to the hospital so she ended up giving birth in a gas station parking lot. Luckily soon after EMS arrived to provide assistance.

Steve Banks told WRAL:

“He came out and he was purple, and he wasn’t making a lot of noise. I was concerned on top of everything else going on. They came up and saw what was happening and jumped into action. I’m sure that they are a large part of the reason to why everything went as smoothly as it did and there were no complications. I can’t thank them enough.”

The EMS took the family to the hospital following the birth. The Banks’ family told WRAL the hospital offered to detail their car. The reason she was turned away was due to only being 4 centimeters dilated, policy would only admit her at 5cm. Luckily baby Banks is healthy other than being treated for jaundice.

What’s the craziest birth story you’ve heard?

GALLERY: Things You Should See and Do in North Carolina

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
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Explore the Breweries of North Carolina
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We have a lot of beer here in the Carolinas. There are actually 30+ breweries throughout the Queen City alone! There is nothing like trying out a new beer and enjoying fun taprooms. If you like discovering new beers try tackling the NC Beer Guys map of breweries. You can see it here: https://www.ncbeerguys.com/nc-breweries/
Carolina Panthers
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Attending a Carolina Panthers game is a Charlotte must. With football back (Yay) who wouldn't love wrapping up in your warm team gear and cheering on our boys? Okay...you might get a little chilly out there in the stands if it is the winter time, but the Carolina Panthers are right here in the QC and a game is a perfect way to spend the day. Wear some gloves and go, team!
Charlotte Hornets Game
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Enter the swarm and take yourself to see at least one Hornet’s game this year. In the winter, you can enjoy a seat in the hive while watching some talented basketballers shoot some hoops and enjoying classic stadium concessions all in the comfort of the stands. It's warm and cozy and so much fun! A Hornets game is a memorable and exciting experience for all ages, regardless of whether basketball is your thing.
Carolina Hurricanes
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The Biltmore Estate
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It is a North Carolina must-see to visit the Biltmore Estate. A beautiful place to visit, it's a very majestic and historic location. Located in Asheville, the estate spans 8,000 acres and dates back to the 1890s. The Biltmore has 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms, and 65 fireplaces, just to name a few features of its 180,000 square feet.
Visit William B. Umstead State Park
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I love this park. It is located between Durham, Cary, and Raleigh in North Carolina, across 5,579 acres of land. With its wooded paths and trails and beautiful lakes, it is certainly one of the must-see places to visit in North Carolina for nature lovers. The William B. Umstead State Park offers many different ways to spend your time. Hiking, cycling, walking, running, and even canoeing or paddle boating can all be done.
See A Durham Bulls Game
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Head to the Beach!
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Battleship North Carolina
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Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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North Carolina Woman Turned Away At Hospital Gives Birth In Gas Station

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Explore the Breweries of North Carolina

Carolina Panthers

Charlotte Hornets Game

Carolina Hurricanes

The Biltmore Estate

Visit William B. Umstead State Park

See A Durham Bulls Game

Head to the Beach!

Battleship North Carolina

Go See the Charlotte Knights

Sign me up for the V101.9 email newsletter!

Get the latest updates with music news, contests, events, and more when you become a V 101.9 VIP Member. Exclusive access to all things music and soul with your favorite throwback station.

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