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Congress Introduces WELLS Act to Protect Laboring Women

11/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Congress will introduce the WELLS Act to stop hospitals from sending women home during active labor.
The Wells case involves Mercedes Wells, who gave birth in her truck after being turned away from an Indiana hospital.
It requires a Safe Discharge Labor Plan for hospitals and includes racial bias training for healthcare professionals.
Rep. Robin Kelly advocates for the bill to address disparities, noting higher maternal mortality among Black women.

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Story summary

Congress will introduce the WELLS Act to stop hospitals from sending women home during active labor.
The Wells case involves Mercedes Wells, who gave birth in her truck after being turned away from an Indiana hospital.
It requires a Safe Discharge Labor Plan for hospitals and includes racial bias training for healthcare professionals.
Rep. Robin Kelly advocates for the bill to address disparities, noting higher maternal mortality among Black women.