Adriana Smith’s story captured national attention — now, her family is holding both a newborn and unimaginable grief.
The 31-year-old Georgia nurse declared brain dead in February after suffering blood clots while eight weeks pregnant, was kept alive for more than four months under the state’s LIFE Act, one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. On Friday, June 13, her baby was delivered via emergency C-section, her mother, April Newkirk, told Atlanta news station WXIA.
The baby, named Chance, was born prematurely at 4:41 a.m., weighing just 1 pound and 13 ounces. He remains in the neonatal intensive care unit. “He’s expected to be OK,” Newkirk said. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him. He’s here now.”
Smith also leaves behind a 7-year-old son, who, according to Newkirk, believes his mother has simply been sleeping all this time.
As previously reported by ESSENCE, Smith was first hospitalized back in February after seeking care for a severe headache. Her family says she was released from Northside Hospital without proper tests. The next morning, her boyfriend found her gasping for air. She was rushed to Emory Decatur Hospital and later transferred to Emory University Hospital, where a scan revealed multiple blood clots in her brain. She was declared brain-dead on February 19.
Doctors told the family Smith had to remain on life support because her pregnancy had reached a stage at which Georgia law defines the fetus as a “person.” Under House Bill 481, also known as the LIFE Act, most abortions are banned after cardiac activity is detected — typically around six weeks. This law came into effect following the end of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Newkirk said the family was left powerless in making medical decisions. “I’m not saying we would have chosen to terminate her pregnancy,” she told WXIA. “But I’m saying we should have had a choice.” The Georgia Attorney General’s Office issued a statement in May clarifying that “there is nothing in the LIFE Act that requires medical professionals to keep a woman on life support after brain death.” Still, Smith’s family says hospital staff insisted their hands were tied.
Newkirk shared that her daughter had dreamed of growing her family, advancing her education and continuing her nursing career. “She was a ray of light,” she said. “She loved people. She was a good mom.”
Loved ones gathered to celebrate Smith’s 31st birthday over the weekend, knowing she would soon be removed from life support. That day has since come. Newkirk confirmed that doctors planned to take Smith off life support on Tuesday, June 17. Throughout the ordeal, she consistently shared updates and reflections on her daughter’s condition through her Facebook page, offering a window into the family’s pain, resilience and hope.
“I’m her mother,” Newkirk said through tears. “I shouldn’t be burying my daughter. My daughter should be burying me.”
As the family begins the difficult process of planning Smith’s burial and supporting her two sons, they’ve continued to ask for prayers and help. A GoFundMe organized by Newkirk has raised over $194,000 to date, with donations supporting long-term care and assistance for baby Chance and his older brother.
“This journey has been deeply saddening and heartbreaking since February 9,” Newkirk wrote in the GoFundMe campaign description. “Adriana was only two months [pregnant] when placed on support, and we were given no choice to wait for months to find out the baby will suffer disease which will lead to major disabilities. Adriana has a 7-year-old son and family left behind who’s broken, and we’re asking for prayers and support during this time. Anything helps!”
Even in the midst of mourning, Newkirk said she’s been moved by the messages from people whose lives Adriana touched as a nurse and friend. One of her former patients even reached out to say Smith continued to check on them long after their lung transplant.
“She was special,” Newkirk said. “From the time I had her, she was special.”