Woman gives birth on roadside after Indiana hospital sent her away despite being in active labour
CROWN POINT, INDIANA: Mercedes Wells, a women from Indiana, gave birth on the roadside minutes after being discharged from the hospital despite showing clear signs of active labor. The video of her discharge went viral online, sparking criticism over the hospital’s procedures and treatment. The family alleges they were sent home because they were all Black.
Discharge of Mercedes Wells and roadside birth
According to ABC affiliate WLS, Mercedes Wells was discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital on Sunday, November 16, after hospital staff told her to go home and wait for labor to progress.
Wells and her husband, Leon, had called the hospital before arriving on Saturday, November 15, but claimed their calls were ignored, and she was ultimately sent home the following day.
Just eight minutes after leaving the hospital, Wells gave birth on the side of the road while en route to another hospital. Multiple videos of her being discharged in labor and of her roadside birth have gone viral. She delivered her baby, Alena Ariel Wells, safely.
Family allegations from Cherise Thompson and Lance D Thompson Jr
According to a Facebook post shared by her sister-in-law, Cherise Thompson, Mercedes said a nurse did not believe she was in active labor and instructed her to leave.
Her contractions were reportedly just one minute apart. “I begged to STAY while still upstairs in Labor and Delivery Triage,” Mercedes said, adding, “I was treated SO poorly and inhumane. I still can't believe it.”
After giving birth, Wells’ brother drove her to a different hospital while other family members called 911. Thompson said, “911 was able to call the hospital and give them notice that they were coming, and 15 doctors and nurses were waiting outside.”
Mercedes eventually reached Munster Community Hospital, where she received care after giving birth.
The family, who have since hired a lawyer, alleged they were treated unfairly because they were all Black, according to WFLD. Cherise Thompson told WLS, “I want there to be some sort of change so that other families don't have to experience this.”
Mercedes’ uncle, Lance D. Thompson Jr., added on Facebook, “If it implements change, strength, and courage for other women going through this, then that's what I'm looking for, personally.”
Franciscan Health response to viral incident
“We are aware of the video and the concerns expressed on social media regarding the discharge of a pregnant patient from Franciscan Health Crown Point,” said President and CEO Raymond Grady.
He added, “We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well. While patient privacy laws make it difficult to comment further, the videos and narrative do not accurately represent Franciscan Health Crown Point’s Catholic healthcare ministry values, which include respect for life, compassionate concern, and Christian stewardship.”
Grady continued, “Our goal is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel the love of Christ through our actions. Disparities in healthcare outcomes exist, and Franciscan Health Crown Point strives to be part of the solution. We remain committed to meeting and exceeding all regulations and best practices for care and will take appropriate action based on our review findings."
