
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
Israeli strikes on Beirut, as Hezbollah and Iran attack Israel - 2
How on earth did 'Shark Tank' star Kevin O'Leary end up in 'Marty Supreme'? I'll let him explain. - 3
International issues on the agenda as Frances's Macron visits China - 4
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS' journey through our solar system, in photos - 5
Pick Your #1 Japanese Food
7 Countries Where Newcomers Feel Most Welcome, and 3 Where They Often Don’t
The Most Famous Virtual Entertainment Powerhouses of the Year
Reactions as Artemis II astronauts lift off on historic lunar mission
The Best Business visionaries Under 30
'Tangled' live-action movie casts Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim as Rapunzel and Flynn
Trump signs bill allowing whole milk to return to school lunches
Kennedy approves adding two rare disorders to newborn screenings
BHP liable for 2015 Brazil mine disaster: UK court
Under pressure at home, Belgium's leader treads a tight rope with EU partners over funds for Ukraine












