
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
This Tiny Neon Frog Dwells in the Clouds - 2
The most effective method to Explore Moral Situations in Brain research with Your Certification - 3
Opening Innovativeness: Moving Thoughts and Tasks - 4
3 astronauts settle into their new life in orbit | On the International Space Station this week Dec. 1-5, 2025 - 5
Wisconsin archaeologists identify 16 ancient canoes in a prehistoric lake 'parking lot'
Amazon sued over 'punitive' handling of employee absences
Early diagnosis leads King Charles to scale back cancer treatment in the new year
Will Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) be the 'great comet' of 2026?
Jury says Johnson & Johnson owes $40 million to 2 cancer patients who used talcum powders
Flourishing in a Cutthroat Work Market: Vocation Methodologies
Step in Style: A Survey of \Solace and Execution on the Track\ Running Shoes
Creative Do-It-Yourself Ventures for Each Expertise Level
Southern Californians, your health insurance costs could rise in 2026
Worldwide Objections Ideal For A Golf Outing













