"I Should Have Been Believed."
Mercedes Wells | Black Maternal Health Advocate
Mercedes Wells
Mercedes Wells is a mother, survivor, and national maternal health advocate whose lived experience highlights the urgent crisis facing Black mothers in the United States.
After being dismissed during labor and discharged without physician evaluation, Mercedes delivered her daughter roadside—eight minutes after leaving the hospital. Her story is now shaping national policy conversations on maternal health equity.
As founder of the Luv2Love Initiative, Mercedes works to protect Black mothers through advocacy, accountability training, and legislative engagement. Her testimony has been instrumental in advancing The Wells Act.
Photo available for media use with attribution to Luv2Love Initiative
What Happened
Conferences
& Summits
Mercedes Wells regularly appears at national summits and convenings on maternal health equity. Contact us for media credentials and interview opportunities.
American Nurses Association (ANA) Nurses Summit
Washington, DC
Mercedes Wells and the Luv2Love Initiative attended the American Nurses Association (ANA) Nurses Summit in Washington, DC after being invited by Katie Boston-Leary, Vice President of Equity & Engagement. This event brought together healthcare leaders to discuss maternal health equity and systemic change.
The Mothers of Gynecology – Day of Reckoning
Birmingham & Montgomery, Alabama
Mercedes Wells participated in “The Mothers of Gynecology” Day of Reckoning event alongside Black maternal health advocates. The event honored history while advancing conversations around equity, accountability, and justice in maternal healthcare.
Hosted by Michele Browder
Black Maternal Health Week at the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Mercedes Wells participated in Black Maternal Health Week at the Pennsylvania State Capitol with Representative La'Tasha D. Mayes while advocating for statewide support of The Wells Act and improved maternal health protections.
The Ebony Canal Film Screening (Black Maternal Health Week)
Red carpet screening of “The Ebony Canal,” an award-winning documentary by Emmai Alaquiva highlighting the Black maternal and infant health crisis in the United States.
4Kira4Dads Annual Advocacy Day – "Dads Got Something to Say"
Washington, DC
Mercedes and Leon Wells joined 4Kira4Dads during the annual advocacy event in Washington, DC, supporting fathers and families affected by preventable maternal deaths while continuing national advocacy surrounding The Wells Act.
The Wells Act
Presented on January 29, 2026, The Wells Act addresses preventable maternal harm through comprehensive legislative reform.
Accountability Measures
Clear standards for hospital accountability
Mandatory Bias Training
Required training for maternal care providers
Discharge Protocols
Standardized procedures requiring physician evaluation
Patient Protections
Legal protections for patient advocates
Media Contact
For interview requests, press inquiries, and media partnerships:
Follow Mercedes Wells on social media:
Instagram: @mercedesswells • Facebook: Mercedes Sheri Wells • TikTok: @MrsWells