Mercedes Wells, a mother of four, gave birth to her daughter Alena in her husband’s car after being turned away from Franciscan Health Crown Point in Indiana, an incident that has now resulted in the termination of the doctor and nurse responsible.
The episode occurred on Nov. 16, when Wells and her husband, Leon, arrived at the hospital after notifying staff a day earlier that labor had begun.
Despite her visible pain and distress, Wells says hospital personnel told her she was not far enough along to be admitted. Cell phone footage shows her struggling in a wheelchair before being escorted out by security.
Just eight minutes later, Alena was born in her husband’s vehicle, highlighting the urgent medical needs that had been dismissed.
Hospital Takes Action
In the wake of widespread concern, Franciscan Health Crown Point announced that the physician and nurse involved in Wells’ care are no longer employed.
Hospital President and CEO Raymond Grady said in a statement, “The physician and nurse directly involved with Mrs. Wells’ care are no longer employed by Franciscan. The video of the incident does not reflect our values, which include respect for life and compassionate concern.”
Grady acknowledged the hospital’s failure, stating, “Compassionate concern is absent when a caregiver fails to listen to a patient who is clearly in pain and vulnerable. We failed to listen to Mrs. Wells’ concerns. She knew something was not right.”
Measures to Prevent Future Incidents
Following the incident, Grady has mandated cultural competency training for all labor and delivery staff. Additionally, all pregnant patients leaving the Labor and Delivery unit must now be examined by a physician before leaving the hospital.
The hospital’s leadership has also reached out to Wells and her husband, pledging accountability and a commitment to ensure every patient receives equitable and compassionate care.
The Broader Context
Wells’ experience underscores ongoing concerns about maternal care, particularly for Black women, who face higher risks of being dismissed or mistreated in healthcare settings. Advocates stress that listening to and respecting laboring mothers is a critical part of safe maternal care.
“This situation could have had far more serious consequences,” said a maternal health expert. “The hospital’s action to terminate staff is necessary, but the broader issue is ensuring systemic safeguards so no mother is forced to deliver outside of proper care.”
After giving birth in the car, Wells and Alena were taken to Community Hospital in Munster, where both received medical attention and were reported to be in good health.
