Industry News | 12.10.25
Doctor and Nurse Fired From Hospital After Turning Away Woman in Labor 8 Minutes Before She Gave Birth
By NAMSS Staff
People (11/21/25) Saunders, Angel
A doctor and nurse at the Franciscan Health Crown Point hospital in Indiana have been dismissed, after turning a woman away while she was in labor this past November. On Nov. 16, Mercedes Wells and her husband, Leon, arrived at Franciscan after calling ahead that she was in labor. However, when they arrived, Wells said staff told them to return home and wait for her labor to progress, and they were subsequently escorted out by security. She added that despite being in "agony,” the nurse who tended to her said she was not far enough along to be admitted. Only eight minutes later, Wells gave birth to a girl, Alena, in her husband's car on the side of a road. Responding to video footage, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Raymond Grady said the incident "does not reflect the values of Franciscan Health Crown Point, which include respect for life and compassionate concern." He further acknowledged in an official statement that hospital staff "failed to listen to Mrs. Wells' concerns." The Wells family has since retained an attorney, alleging they were treated unfairly because they are Black. In addition to the one doctor and nurse being terminated, Grady has implemented cultural competency training for all labor and delivery staff members. After giving birth to her daughter in her husband's vehicle, Wells was transported to Community Hospital in Munster to receive care.
Read the full story from People.