
An Indiana woman's family claims she was wheeled out of a hospital in active labor, forcing her to give birth on the side of a road.
Relatives of Mercedes Wells told ABC station WLS in Chicago she was discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital in Crown Point on Sunday, as hospital staff told her to go home to wait for her labor to progress. She then gave birth eight minutes later on the side of the road, the family told the affiliate.
Wells' sister-in-law, Cherise Thompson, confirmed to WLS that Wells' husband Leon delivered the baby in their truck.
"He grabbed, like, a blanket, and then, put the baby on Mercedes' chest, my niece on her chest, and drove the rest of the way to the hospital, to Munster Community," Thompson told WLS.
"Mercedes begged her. She begged her," Thompson alleges about the nurse working with Wells, according to WLS. "She said, 'I'm really in active labor. I can feel it, contractions as I walk. I mean my pain. I'm telling you; I can feel it.' And she just ignored her."
An attorney for Mercedes Wells and her family did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.
Husband speaks out after wife dies from serious complication in childbirth
In a statement, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady told ABC News that the hospital is investigating the incident.
“We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well," Grady said. "We understand the concern this has raised. The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation into this alleged incident."
He added, "While patient privacy laws make it difficult for us to comment more deeply, it is important to note that the videos and the narrative surrounding them do not accurately represent Franciscan Health Crown Point’s Catholic healthcare ministry’s values, which include respect for life, compassionate concern and Christian stewardship. Our goal is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel the love of Christ through our actions."
Only 25% of moms in US report 'excellent' mental health, marking an alarming decline
The hospital says they aim to give patients personalized birthing services, according to their website.
"At Franciscan Health, our team of obstetricians and medical staff provides you and your baby with the best care possible during and after pregnancy," the hospital's website reads. "We provide a personalized approach to delivery where you and your obstetrician discuss a birth plan and expectations."
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Human evolution’s biggest mystery has started to unravel. How 2025 tipped the scales - 2
Overlooked infertility care should be part of national health services, says WHO - 3
A definitive Manual for the Over-Ear Earphones - 4
Step by step instructions to Utilize Open Record Rewards for Your Potential benefit - 5
80 km. on foot: Sharren Haskel’s three-day march in protest of haredi draft bill
Internet Bookkeeping Programming for Consultants
Vote in favor of Your #1 Home Exercise Gear: Execution and Comfort Matter
Wellness Bits of knowledge Readily available: A Survey of \Following Wellbeing and Progress\ Wellness Wearables
Bitcoin momentum builds in Abu Dhabi as global interest surges
BioMarin to acquire Amicus Therapeutics for $4.8 billion in rare disease bet
Instructions to Warmly greet Discretion and Thoughtfulness
Improving as a Cook: Culinary Experiences in the Kitchen
Dirty soda started as a Mormon alternative to booze. Now it's everywhere.
'Dancing with the Stars' semifinals: How to watch Episode 10 tonight, where to stream, who's left and more













