
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
Don't miss these five impressive spots in Bangkok - 2
EU foreign ministers commemorate Russian massacre in Bucha - 3
NASA counts down for first crewed lunar mission in half a century - 4
The Leonid meteor shower is peaking early this week. Here’s what to know - 5
A definitive Manual for Picking Electric Vehicle: Decision in favor of Your Number one
‘The White Lotus’ sparked online interest in risky anxiety pills, study says
This Miraculous, Cliff-Perched Town In The South Of France Is A Sacred European Gem
Miley Cyrus details her fear of paper, says fiancé Maxx Morando opens their packages outside: 'That's really why I got engaged'
Track down the Ideal Weight reduction Methodology for Your Way of life
Figure out How to Augment the Advantages of a Web-based Degree
Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Wellness Destination Is A Luxurious Italian Retreat
2026 Golden Globes: How to watch, start time, TV channel, full nominee list and more
How to watch the last supermoon of the year
Carrefour becomes first European retailer to offer shopping on ChatGPT












