Mom Who Was Turned Away While in Labor Back in Hospital, Family Says
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Mercedes Wells, the courageous mother who gave birth on the side of the road after being turned away from a hospital while in active labor, has been readmitted to the hospital due to post-birth health concerns, as revealed by her family. The distressing incident occurred when Mercedes Wells welcomed her daughter, Alena Ariel, just eight minutes after leaving Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital, where she had been denied care. Despite her pleas, hospital staff did not believe she was in active labor, forcing her to give birth outside the hospital premises. The details of her ordeal were shared by her sister-in-law, Cherise Thompson, on Facebook.
Reports from The Chicago Sun-Times have confirmed that Mercedes Wells is currently back in the hospital, battling post-birth health troubles. Her brother-in-law, Lance Thompson Jr., highlighted that Wells is now under the care of medical professionals at Community Hospital in Munster, Ind. The traumatic birthing experience has left Wells in a vulnerable state, prompting her family to seek urgent medical attention to address her excruciating pain and troubling hemorrhaging. Lance mentioned to The Chicago Tribune that Mercedes’ journey to the hospital was necessitated by the distress she faced during the birth of Alena.
Upon experiencing severe pain and excessive bleeding, Mercedes was swiftly transferred to the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Ill., on November 23. Her husband, Leon Wells, shared with the press that she was then moved to Community Hospital, where she was recognised by the staff from her previous visit. Leon anticipates that Mercedes may need to remain in the hospital for a few days as she continues to receive medical care. The father expressed concerns about the impact of the traumatic delivery on Mercedes and the subsequent challenges she is facing, especially with the need to balance her health and breastfeeding while on medication.
The disturbing events surrounding Mercedes’ ordeal were captured in multiple videos that circulated widely online, shedding light on the failure of Franciscan Health Crown Point Hospital to provide appropriate care. In response to the public outcry, hospital President and CEO Raymond Grady issued a statement addressing the wrongful discharge of Mercedes and her subsequent childbirth on the roadside. The hospital acknowledged the lapses in care, leading to the termination of the physician and nurse involved in the incident, effective as of November 21. Grady emphasised the hospital’s commitment to upholding values of respect for life and compassionate care, which were clearly lacking in this particular situation.
Reflecting on her harrowing experience, Mercedes shared with CNN her disappointment in never meeting the doctor responsible for her care, highlighting the lack of attention and support she received during her ordeal. The distress caused by the mistreatment she endured has spurred efforts towards legislative change to safeguard the well-being of expectant mothers. Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly announced plans to introduce the Women Expansion for Learning and Labor Safety Act (WELLS) Act, inspired by Mercedes’ traumatic childbirth journey. The proposed legislation aims to mandate hospitals and birthing centres to establish and implement safe discharge plans for pregnant women to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Mercedes’ story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by pregnant women, particularly women of colour, in advocating for their health and well-being during childbirth. The push for policy reforms, spearheaded by representatives like Robin Kelly, underscores the urgent need to address systemic issues within the healthcare system that contribute to disparities in maternal care. As Mercedes continues her recovery journey, her resilience and courage in sharing her story are driving forces behind the call for greater accountability and improvements in maternal healthcare practices.
The impact of Mercedes Wells’ traumatic birth experience extends beyond her personal ordeal, resonating with countless women who have faced similar struggles in accessing quality maternity care. Through advocacy and legislative action, voices like Mercedes’ are amplifying the urgent need for reform to ensure that no mother endures the pain and neglect she faced. As discussions around maternal health policy gain momentum, the WELLS Act stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in catalysing meaningful change within the healthcare landscape.