Michigan Nurse Charged in Abuse of Premature Infant
Authorities allege a transgender nurse caused multiple fractures and bruising to a four-month-old patient under his care.
A transgender nurse in Michigan has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse in connection with the alleged physical abuse of a premature infant. Kieran Ansley, 43, faces two counts of felony second-degree child abuse and two counts of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse.
According to court documents, Ansley, while working at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, is accused of severely injuring a four-month-old girl. The infant, born four months premature in November 2025, was discovered to have multiple fractures and extensive bruising across her body, including her tongue, on April 2, shortly before her scheduled discharge.
The infant's mother reported that her daughter was unharmed when she last saw her the previous evening. However, upon returning the next morning, she found the baby with visible injuries. Court documents state that Ansley, who had been assigned to the infant's care that night, appeared agitated and attempted to prevent the mother from entering the room, claiming the baby had slept soundly.
Hospital staff interviewed as part of the investigation reported that the baby had no injuries on previous shifts. Some colleagues described Ansley as appearing "flustered," "frustrated," "scatterbrained," "heated," "overwhelmed," and "in over his head" with his assignment.
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to patient care and safety, stating they have zero tolerance for abuse. A spokesperson confirmed that the former employee was immediately terminated upon receiving the allegations and that the hospital is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Ansley was arrested in early September and has since been released on bond with an electronic tether. If convicted of the felony charges, he could face up to ten years in prison for each count.
Ansley's defense attorney has stated that his client has been cooperative with police and is a "very good person" with extensive experience in ICU patient care. The attorney indicated an intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.
The infant's grandfather, Robert Steavens, expressed the family's desire for "absolute justice" and to ensure Ansley is never again in a position to care for children. He added that the child, now ten months old, has recovered and is doing well.