Instead, 38-year-old Mercedes says, she spent six hours there until her contractions were just one minute apart. The nurse told her to go home, she said. Eight minutes after being forced to leave, she gave birth in her car.
Meet 3-day-old Alena Wells. The adorable little girl is doing well, according to her mother. But Mercedes says she is still deeply disturbed that she had to give birth on the side of the road early Sunday morning after being forced to leave Franciscan Health in Crown Point, Indiana
Mercedes is an experienced mother who just gave birth to her fourth child. She says she was in a lot of pain and knew the baby was coming soon. But, she says, the nurse told her to leave.
"I was in excruciating pain. She seen me in pain and agony, and I guess she still perceived me to not be in labor," Mercedes said. "Upon returning to the room she's like 'Well, if you aren't further along in your centimeters then, you know, we gotta send you home''"
Mercedes' mother shared video she took as her daughter was being wheeled out of the hospital, accompanied by security.
Mercedes, who lives in Chicago, says she was visiting Indiana two weeks before her due date when she felt like it was time. They chose the closest hospital. But when they made her leave, her husband, Leon, was driving them to the next closest hospital in Munster when the baby started to emerge.
"In God's grace, I was scared. I didn't know what to do. I don't have a medical license or anything to have a baby," he said.
Fortunately, things worked out, and baby Alena arrived safely. But the couple and their attorney, Cannon Lambert, say this is not the way it was supposed to happen.
"We can agree a woman is active labor should not be sent away without seeing a doctor," Lambert said.
During a news conference with their lawyer, the family said they were mistreated because of their race.
The CEO of Franciscan Health said, in a statement, that patient privacy laws prevent them from commenting extensively, but he said, "The video and the comments it has generated are deeply troubling, and we understand the concern this has raised. The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation into this alleged incident."
For her part, Mercedes says this experience has hurt her deeply.
"I was stripped of my dignity. As a person, I was treated less than an animal," Mercedes said.
Mercedes and Leon Wells say, at this point, they have not considered legal action. But through their attorney they said, they want a meeting with hospital administrators to help ensure this never happens again to another family. They also want the nurse fired and a change of protocol to make sure that anyone in labor sees a doctor.
Full statement from Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady
"We are aware of the video and the concerns expressed on social media regarding the discharge of a pregnant patient from Franciscan Health Crown Point. We are grateful to learn from online and media reports that both mother and child are reportedly doing well.
"The video and the comments it has generated are deeply troubling, and we understand the concern this has raised. The video is just one part of the information we are reviewing as part of a thorough investigation into this alleged incident.
"While patient privacy laws make it difficult for us to comment more deeply, it is important to note that the videos and the narrative surrounding them do not accurately represent Franciscan Health Crown Point's Catholic healthcare ministry's values, which include respect for life, compassionate concern and Christian stewardship. Our goal is 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 Franciscan Health Crown Point strives to be part of the solution, not the problem."
"We remain committed to meeting and exceeding all regulations and best practices for care, and we will take appropriate action based on the findings of our review."