Mother Forced to Give Birth on Highway After Hospital Refuses to Attend to Her During Painful Labor

An Indiana woman, identified as Mercedes Wells, has spoken out after she was forced to give birth on the side of a highway when a hospital allegedly refused to treat her because she is Black.

Mercedes explained that her husband, Leon, rushed her to Franciscan Health Crown Point early Saturday morning after noticing she was in active labor. He arrived ahead of time to alert hospital staff, but according to Mercedes, she was ignored despite being in severe pain. She claims staff members even asked her to leave the facility instead of providing immediate care.

The couple then drove toward Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana, hoping to receive help there. However, just eight minutes after leaving the first hospital, Mercedes went into full labor. With no medical professionals present, she delivered her daughter, Alena, on the side of the highway with only her husband assisting her.

Speaking about the terrifying experience, Mercedes said: “Two minutes in, I’m like, I have to push. So I start pulling my pants down. I’m like please help me, ’cause I need help pulling my pants off so I can get this baby out.

“I began to push, the head came out. He’s on the phone with 911… He pulls over to catch the baby, she came out.”

Following public outrage and the circulation of online videos related to the incident, Franciscan Health Crown Point released an official statement: “The health and safety of our patients is always our top priority. We have launched an internal investigation into the alleged incident. Due to patient privacy laws and our own policies pertaining to internal investigations, we are unable to comment further at this time.

Later on Monday evening, Raymond Grady, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Crown Point, issued an expanded statement addressing concerns raised on social media: “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.

“The video and the comments it has generated are deeply troubling, and we understand the concern this has raised. The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation into this alleged incident.

“While patient privacy laws make it difficult for us to comment more deeply, it is important to note that the videos and the narrative surrounding them do not accurately represent Franciscan Health Crown Point’s Catholic healthcare ministry’s values, which include respect for life, compassionate concern and Christian stewardship. Our goal is to make everyone who walks through our doors feel the love of Christ through our actions.

“The reality is disparities in healthcare outcomes exist and Franciscan Health Crown Point strives to be part of the solution, not the problem.”

“We remain committed to meeting and exceeding all regulations and best practices for care, and we will take appropriate action based on the findings of our review.”

See the video below……….