Illinois Couple Recounts roadside Birth After Hospital Discharge

Imagine being in active labor, visibly struggling, only to be sent home from the hospital. This harrowing reality is what an Illinois couple, Mercedes and Leon Wells, claims they experienced, leading to the roadside delivery of their baby daughter, Alena. Now, they are speaking out with their attorney, Cannon Lambert, to share their story and seek accountability.

A Terrifying Ordeal

According to the Wells, on Sunday, November 16th, they were discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital in Indiana. Mercedes was reportedly in active labor, and they claim she was never seen by a doctor before being escorted out by security personnel. Tragically, just eight minutes later, as they attempted to reach another hospital, baby Alena was born in the couple’s car.

Video footage circulating online captures Mercedes enduring intense contractions, her distress evident as hospital staff moved around her. She expressed feeling stripped of her dignity, stating, “I was treated less than an animal.” Given her experience, Mercedes also shared her belief that racial bias may have played a role in how she was treated.

A Father’s Courage and Legal Action

Leon Wells described the moment as terrifying, recounting how he coached his wife through the delivery in their truck. He noted that they had seen “red flags” before leaving the hospital, making the situation even more distressing. “By great God’s grace, you know, he gave me the ability to do what I had to do at the time,” he shared.

Their attorney, Cannon Lambert, echoed their concerns, questioning the hospital’s protocol: “Can we agree that a woman in active labor should not be sent away without first being seen by a doctor?” Lambert’s immediate priority is to secure a meeting with hospital leadership to understand why this incident occurred and to advocate for changes in protocols.

Hospital’s Response and Investigation

In response to the allegations, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady stated that the hospital is conducting a thorough investigation. “We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well,” Grady said, acknowledging the concern raised by the incident. He emphasized that patient privacy laws prevent further discussion but stressed that the hospital’s values do not align with the narrative surrounding the videos.

Lambert is pushing for answers regarding the nurse involved and the hospital’s procedures, asserting that dismissing a woman in active labor cannot align with legitimate hospital protocol. He expressed gratitude for being able to support the Wells family through this challenging time.