
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
Scientists document a death from a meat allergy tied to certain ticks - 2
Kelsey Grammer on having a new baby at 70: 'You're just more available now' - 3
At 72, Kathie Lee Gifford says aging isn’t what she expected. 'The golden years? It’s a lie.’ - 4
Most loved Solace Food: What's Your Definitive Comfortable Dinner? - 5
How to avoid or deal with an outrageous medical bill
Investigating the World's Chief Authentic Urban communities to Visit
Mechanical Sidekick d: A Survey of \Elements and Execution d\ Cell phone
‘And then we saw the little head.’ Scientists witness rare sperm whale birth
King Charles shares cancer treatment update, says it's a 'personal blessing'
Arctic is again the hottest it's been in 125 years, with record-low sea ice, NOAA report says
6 Hints to Upgrade Your Appeal, In addition to Your Outlook
Find Unexpected, yet invaluable treasure Excursion Rentals
'We were genuinely astonished': This moss survived 9 months outside the International Space Station and could still grow on Earth
Extraordinary Miracles: The Cherished Islands for a Tropical Get-away













