Overview
- Mercedes Wells was monitored for hours, documented at three centimeters dilated, and discharged despite escalating contractions, according to family accounts and viral video.
- Eight minutes after leaving Franciscan Health Crown Point, her husband, Leon, delivered their daughter, Alena, in the family vehicle on the roadside.
- The family says 911 stayed on the line and directed them to Community Hospital in Munster, where staff took over care; mother and baby are recovering.
- Franciscan Health Crown Point says patient safety is a priority, confirms an internal investigation, and cites privacy laws in declining further comment.
- The family alleges race influenced how concerns were handled, has hired attorney Cannon Lambert, and planned a news conference to seek accountability.