Family Says Goodbye to Brain-Dead Atlanta Woman Who Gave Birth Amid Controversial Abortion Laws

Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old woman from Atlanta who had been declared brain dead while eight weeks pregnant, gave birth to her son Chance on June 13 through an emergency cesarean section. Despite being born prematurely, Chance weighs around 1 pound 13 ounces and is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with his grandmother, April Newkirk, expressing hope for his recovery and urging for prayers.

Tragically, Chance’s birth coincides with the family's impending farewell to Smith, who celebrated her birthday just days prior. The family consulted with doctors and made the difficult decision to disconnect Smith from life support on Tuesday afternoon. Smith was a registered nurse and mother to a 7-year-old son, who remains unaware that his mother is not simply sleeping.

Since being declared brain dead on February 19 due to blood clots, Smith's case has drawn national attention, particularly regarding the implications of Georgia’s abortion law, known as the LIFE Act. This law, which does not clearly address situations involving brain-dead patients, has resulted in confusion among medical professionals. Georgia's 2019 "heartbeat law" prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, complicating the family's situation as they navigate these legal challenges.

Reactions to Smith's case have been sharply divided, with some anti-abortion advocates supporting the medical treatment of the fetus as a separate patient. In contrast, reproductive rights advocates caution that such personhood laws could undermine families' medical decision-making during tragic events. Newkirk has expressed the need for more options, emphasizing that while the family might not have chosen to terminate the pregnancy, they should have been given that choice.

As the family grieves for the loss of Smith while also welcoming Chance into the world, Newkirk has shared her mixed emotions about the situation. She has started a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $145,400 to support Smith’s family, reflecting the community's support during this challenging time. Newkirk poignantly remarked on her desire to have one last conversation with her daughter, expressing her heartbreak over the role reversal of a mother having to bury her child.