VIDEO: Family Alleges Franciscan Health Crown Point Kicked Out Mercedes Sheri Wells During Labor, Forcing Husband Leon Wells to Deliver Baby

A Northwest Indiana family is demanding answers after Mercedes Sheri Wells was allegedly removed from Franciscan Health Crown Point while in active labor—only to give birth eight minutes later in her family’s truck, with her husband Leon Wells delivering their baby without any medical assistance.

According to the family, Mercedes arrived at the hospital early Sunday morning experiencing severe contractions. They say staff refused to admit her, insisting she “wasn’t past 3 centimeters” and could not be admitted. Video shared with Region News Source appears to show hospital workers wheeling her out of the building as she doubled over in pain. 

Moments after leaving the hospital, the situation escalated. While the family rushed toward Community Hospital in Munster, Mercedes went into full delivery inside their truck on the side of the road. With no doctor, nurse, or EMT present, Leon Wells delivered his own child in the passenger seat. The family reached Community Hospital just before 7 a.m., but by then the newborn had already arrived.

 

A detailed account posted online by a relative described the trauma the family endured:

“This morning my family went through something no family should ever experience. At 6:20 AM, my sister-in-law was kicked out of Franciscan Health Crown Point while she was in active labor. She begged the staff not to discharge her… Eight minutes later, at 6:28 AM, she gave birth on the side of the road. My brother had to deliver his own baby in their truck. We are devastated, angry, and shaken to our core. This was preventable. This was negligent. And yes, we believe racial bias played a role.”

The family says the outcome could have been avoided if Mercedes’ pain and symptoms had been taken seriously. They also believe racial bias influenced the way she was treated and dismissed despite being visibly distressed.

 

Franciscan Health released a brief statement in response, saying:

“The health and safety of our patients is always our top priority. We have launched an internal investigation into the alleged incident… we are unable to comment further at this time.”

Later, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady issued a more detailed statement acknowledging the troubling nature of the video circulating online:

“We are aware of the video and the concerns expressed on social media regarding the discharge of a pregnant patient… The video and the comments it has generated are deeply troubling. The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation.

While patient privacy laws limit what we can discuss, the narrative surrounding the video does not accurately reflect Franciscan Health Crown Point’s values. We strive 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 we strive to be part of the solution.”

Grady added that the hospital remains committed to meeting all care standards and will take appropriate action based on the findings of their review.

The family says they are pursuing justice and hope their experience prevents other mothers from facing similar circumstances. Region News Source will continue to follow this developing story as more information becomes available.