A recent incident at a hospital in Indiana has raised serious concerns regarding maternal care and hospital discharge policies. A pregnant woman, Mercedes Wells, was discharged while in active labor, leading to the birth of her daughter, Alena, in the front seat of a truck. This shocking event took place on November 16, just before Alena was due, which was November 29.
Hospital Releases Expectant Mother
Mercedes and her husband, Leon Wells, arrived at Franciscan Health Crown Point around midnight. They sought help due to Mercedes being in labor, recognized as her fourth childbirth. Leon’s accounts reveal that her contractions intensified on their drive to the hospital, prompting fear about her delivery.
- Incident Date: November 16
- Hospital: Franciscan Health Crown Point, Indiana
- Due Date: November 29
Upon their arrival, they experienced a delay of approximately 10 minutes before being seen by medical staff. Leon reported that Mercedes’s water broke shortly after their entrance. However, despite her visible distress and the fact that she was in labor, they claim to have never seen a doctor. Alarmingly, Mercedes was discharged at 6 a.m., merely moments before giving birth.
Emergency Delivery in Vehicle
After being discharged, the couple faced freezing temperatures while waiting for Leon’s truck to warm up. Within six minutes of driving to another hospital, Mercedes urgently needed to push. Leon called 911, but the situation escalated quickly, requiring him to assist in the delivery. Alena was born at 6:28 a.m., wrapped in blankets that the couple had prepared. The family later sought treatment at Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana, where they stayed for two nights.
Addressing Systemic Issues
This incident has provoked discussion about the disparities in maternal healthcare, particularly affecting Black women. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women face a maternal mortality rate three times higher than their White counterparts. Recognizing this troubling trend, Franciscan Health CEO Raymond Grady acknowledged the hospital’s failure to adequately respond to Mercedes’s concerns. Following this incident, two medical professionals were relieved of their positions, and the hospital publicly apologized.
- Discharged Minutes Before Birth: Mercedes Wells
- Baby’s Name: Alena
- Hospital Response: Policy changes and competency training for staff
Grady announced upcoming policy changes, including mandatory examinations of all pregnant patients before they are discharged from the hospital. Additionally, all labor and delivery staff will undergo cultural competency training to enhance the care provided to expectant mothers. The Wells family is advocating for improvements in hospital policies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Future Advocacy and Legislative Action
The Wells family is set to meet with Representative Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, to discuss potential legislative solutions to prevent similar incidents. Kelly, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, emphasizes the need for systemic change, highlighting the trauma many women experience during childbirth. The entire community is rallying for fair treatment in maternal care, advocating that every expectant mother gets the attention she deserves.
