
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
Environmental groups urge Germany to cut oil and gas dependence - 2
More Than 110 New Species Discovered In Deep Waters Off Australia - 3
Financial plan Cordial Home Redesigns That Add Worth - 4
Is 'Veronica Mars' about to be your new binge-watch? It's now streaming on Netflix. - 5
German Easter peace marches draw tens of thousands
Thyssenkrupp to suspend electrical steel production at French site
Ariana Grande to host 'Saturday Night Live' Christmas show with Cher as musical guest, returning after nearly 40 years
Portugal among EU countries with the most people working close to 50 hours a week
Jury says Johnson & Johnson owes $40 million to 2 cancer patients who used talcum powders
Most loved Seared Chicken: Which Chain Rules?
Oil, energy and food: Which countries in Europe are most exposed to higher food prices?
Hostages as leverage: Iran's secret demand aimed at crippling Israel's agriculture
'All Her Fault' ending explained: The shocking conclusion to the psychological thriller inspired by true events
Spanish police and soldiers track boars, reinforce farm security amid swine fever outbreak











