Indiana Woman Gives Birth Roadside After Hospital Discharge During Active Labor

Mercedes Wells delivered her daughter on a roadside just eight minutes after being discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital on Sunday. Wells had arrived believing she was in active labor, but hospital staff sent her home despite her visible pain and contractions. Sister-in-law Cherise Thompson said Wells pleaded with nurses for treatment. “Mercedes begged her. She begged her,” Thompson told reporters. “She said, ‘I’m really in active labor. I can feel it, contractions as I walk. I mean my pain. I’m telling you, I can feel it.’ And she just ignored her.” Wells’ husband delivered the baby using a blanket before driving to Munster Community Hospital. Thompson said the family wants change so “other families don’t have to experience this.” Franciscan Health Crown Point stated it is investigating the incident. The baby is healthy. (Story URL)