by Crown Point, Indiana — A shocking incident at a northern Indiana hospital has prompted firings, a public apology and new policy changes after a woman in active labor was dismissed from the facility and forced to give birth in her car minutes later. The case has sparked discussions about patient safety, discrimination and accountability in healthcare.
Mother Turned Away While in Obvious Distress
Mercedes Wells, already a mother of three, arrived at Franciscan Health Crown Point on November 16 after calling ahead the previous day to alert staff of her labor symptoms. Upon arrival, she was met with what she described as an unusually cold reception.
She told CBS News Chicago that she was greeted with “stern faces” and no sense of urgency despite being in clear distress. Cellphone video captured Wells struggling to breathe as she sat in a wheelchair in the hospital lobby before being escorted out by security.
According to Wells, a nurse briefly examined her and insisted she was “not far enough along” to be admitted, contradicting the intense pain and pressure she repeatedly reported.
Baby Born 8 Minutes Later in Car
Barely eight minutes after being turned away, Mercedes delivered her daughter Alena in the passenger seat of her husband Leon’s car alongside the road.
Leon immediately called 911, and Mercedes was later transferred to Community Hospital in Munster for medical care.
The disturbing video and timeline of events quickly went viral, raising serious questions about how a clearly laboring woman could be dismissed so abruptly.
Hospital Fires Doctor and Nurse
On November 21, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady issued a statement confirming that both the doctor and nurse involved in Wells’ care were no longer employed at the hospital.
“Compassionate concern is absent when a caregiver fails to listen to a patient who is clearly in pain and vulnerable,” Grady said. “We failed to listen to Mrs. Wells. The video was difficult to watch and does not reflect our values.”
Grady added that Wells, having previously given birth at Franciscan with a positive experience, “knew something wasn’t right” and deserved to be heard.
Allegations of Racial Bias
Wells and her husband have since retained legal counsel, alleging they were treated dismissively because they are Black. They told that the indifference they faced stood in stark contrast to past experiences at the same hospital.
The hospital did not directly address the racial allegations in its statement but did outline new mandatory policies aimed at preventing similar situations.
Hospital Implements Immediate Changes
Following the incident, Franciscan Health announced several policy reforms:
- Mandatory cultural competency training for all labor and delivery staff
- Requirement that a physician examine any pregnant patient before discharge
- A review of triage processes and staff communication procedures
Grady emphasized that these measures were not symbolic but part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and ensure equitable treatment.
“We must fix what failed in our hospital so that no one experiences what happened to Mercedes Wells,” Grady said. “Any evidence of actions to the contrary will not be tolerated.”
He also confirmed he has personally reached out to Mercedes and hopes to meet with her and her husband soon.
A Family Traumatized Yet Grateful
Despite the traumatic circumstances, baby Alena is healthy, and Mercedes is recovering. Still, the family says the emotional impact remains significant.
Wells stated that moments before giving birth, she felt abandoned, humiliated and genuinely afraid for her life and her daughter’s. She told reporters she simply wanted to be treated with dignity — something she says every patient deserves.
Broader Implications for Maternal Care
The case arrives amid growing national concerns about maternal health disparities, especially among Black women, who face significantly higher risks of complications and negative outcomes during childbirth. Advocacy groups say the incident highlights the importance of listening to patients, especially those capable of recognizing their own labor progression.
As the Franciscan system continues its review, community members are watching closely to ensure that promised reforms translate into meaningful improvements.
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