Dolton Woman Faces Complications After Labor Incident at Hospital

A woman from Dolton, Illinois, is currently receiving treatment for complications following a traumatic labor experience at Franciscan Health Crown Point. According to her brother-in-law, Lance Thompson, Mercedes Wells was discharged while in labor and is now being treated at Community Hospital in Munster.

The situation escalated early on Sunday morning, when Wells experienced severe pain and began hemorrhaging. Her husband, Leon Wells, called for an ambulance, and they were transported to the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois. Upon their arrival, hospital staff recognized the couple and redirected them to Community Hospital for further care.

Thompson noted that medical staff at Community Hospital informed the family that Wells was undergoing trauma from her difficult delivery. They prescribed medication, which had to be adjusted for breastfeeding. “She’s still in the hospital now, and they’re conducting observations and running various tests,” Thompson stated. He anticipates that Wells will remain hospitalized for at least a couple of days as her condition is monitored.

Wells did not experience complications during her pregnancy, and issues only arose while she was in labor. “This has definitely taken a toll on our family, and it’s draining emotionally,” Thompson said. He expressed concerns about the public attention surrounding the incident, highlighting the emotional strain on the family.

On November 18, 2025, Raymond Grady, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Crown Point, announced that the nurse and physician involved in turning away Wells while she was in active labor have been dismissed. The incident saw Wells give birth to her fourth daughter, Alena, in the couple’s car, assisted by her husband, who recorded the distressing moment.

The couple arrived at Franciscan Health Crown Point around midnight and were told to leave at approximately 6:20 a.m. During this time, Wells experienced contractions that grew closer together. According to her account, hospital staff informed her that she was not dilated enough to warrant care, citing directives from a physician whom they never encountered during their visit.

In response to the incident, Grady has mandated cultural competency training for all labor and delivery staff. He emphasized that every patient leaving the unit will now receive a thorough examination by a physician. “On behalf of Franciscan Alliance and Franciscan Health Crown Point, I apologize to Mrs. Wells and her family for failing to live up to our Franciscan values,” Grady stated.

The hospital’s commitment to accountability and equitable care for all patients is now under scrutiny, following this incident that has sparked widespread concern and discussion about patient treatment during labor.