Indiana Hospital Accused Of Neglect After Turning Away Black Pregnant Woman Who Then Gives Birth Outside

A now-infamous video showcases an Indiana hospital discharging a Black woman in active labor, leading her to give birth in a vehicle. Mercedes Wells arrived at Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point shortly after midnight on a Sunday, experiencing clear labor signs. Instead of receiving treatment, she claims staff sent her home after several hours, asserting she "wasn’t progressing" and advised her to return only if conditions deteriorated.Unfortunate circumstances escalated shortly after departure, and videos shared by her husband, Leon Wells, depict the couple delivering their child mere feet from the facility that denied them care. The footage, now viral, has incited widespread outrage across social media. In response, the hospital issued a statement emphasizing patient safety while initiating an internal investigation, withholding specific details under privacy laws. Comments from social media reflect collective disbelief and demand for accountability, highlighting systemic issues affecting Black women in maternal healthcare.