Mercedes Wells, an Indiana woman, arrived at a hospital to give birth. However, the staff refused to move her into a labor and delivery room. Shortly after, she gave birth to her baby without any medical help.
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Expecting Mom Says Hospital Forced Her Out Before Giving Birth
Mercedes Wells and her husband, Leon, reportedly called Francis Health Crown Point Hospital late on November 15, while she was actively in labor. On November 16, hospital staff allegedly discharged her and told her to go home and wait for her labor to progress.
“I was in excruciating pain. She seen me in pain and agony, and I guess she still perceived me to not be in labor. Upon returning to the room, she’s like ‘Well, if you aren’t further along in your centimeters then, you know, we gotta send you home,'” Mercedes recalled being told, per ABC7 Chicago.
According to PEOPLE, just minutes after leaving, Mercedes gave birth on the side of the road while she and her husband headed to another hospital. Mercedes’ husband, Leon, actually assisted with the delivery of their child. He said he felt scared and didn’t know what to do since he didn’t have a medical license.
Update On Mercedes’ Baby & Her Lawyer’s Response
Good news — Mercedes and Leon’s daughter arrived healthy and safe. PEOPLE reports that their baby girl, Alena Ariel Wells, weighed 6 pounds and measured 18.5 inches long. Even with the positive outcome, the couple hired attorney Cannon Lambert. He also called out the hospital for handling Mercedes’ health and safety poorly.
“Can agree a woman is active labor should not be sent away without seeing a doctor,” Lambert told the press, per ABC7 Chicago.
Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital Addresses Mercedes Wells’ Claims & Viral Video Of Her Being Discharged
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady said the hospital is investigating the Mercedes Wells incident. Both parties called the video showing her being escorted out “deeply troubling.” CEO Grady added that the video of Wells and the surrounding narrative do not accurately reflect Franciscan Health Crown Point’s Catholic healthcare values.
“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. We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well,” CEO Grady said.
