An Indiana woman reportedly gave birth on the side of the road after being discharged from a hospital while in active labor. Family members of Mercedes Wells stated that she was released from Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital in Crown Point on Sunday. Hospital staff advised her to return home and wait for her labor to progress, according to her relatives.

Just eight minutes after leaving the hospital, Wells went into labor and delivered her baby in the family truck. Her sister-in-law, Cherise Thompson, shared details of the incident, stating that Wells' husband, Leon, assisted in the delivery. "He grabbed, like, a blanket, and then put the baby on Mercedes' chest, my niece on her chest, and drove the rest of the way to the hospital, to Munster Community," Thompson explained.

Thompson also recounted that Wells pleaded with the hospital staff, particularly a nurse, about her condition. "Mercedes begged her. She begged her," Thompson said. "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."

An attorney representing Wells and her family has not yet responded to requests for comment. In response to the incident, Raymond Grady, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Crown Point, stated that the hospital is conducting an investigation. "We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well," Grady said.

He acknowledged the concerns raised by the incident, emphasizing that the hospital is reviewing all available information. "The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation into this alleged incident," he added.

Grady noted that patient privacy laws limit the hospital's ability to provide detailed comments. However, he stressed that the situation does not reflect the values of Franciscan Health Crown Point, which include respect for life and compassionate care.

The hospital's website highlights its commitment to personalized birthing services, stating, "At Franciscan Health, our team of obstetricians and medical staff provides you and your baby with the best care possible during and after pregnancy." They emphasize a collaborative approach to developing a birth plan with patients and their obstetricians.