A hospital discharged a woman in labor. This lawmaker wants change.

An Illinois congresswoman is proposing new legislation to address systemic issues around maternal healthcare, racial disparities and hospital accountability after one of her constituents was discharged from a hospital while she was in active labor.

Mercedes Wells was discharged from Franciscan Health Crown Point minutes before she gave birth to her fourth child on Nov. 16 in the front seat of a Chevrolet Silverado as her husband, Leon Wells, rushed her to another hospital.

Wells' congresswoman, Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Illinois, said at a news conference on Nov. 25 she plans to introduce legislation after Thanksgiving named for Wells to prevent a similar situation from happening again and "protect all moms."

World