Health & Wellness
Family says brain-dead Georgia mom delivers baby
Adriana Smith, who was declared brain dead in February after suffering blood clots in her brain, was unable to be removed from life support because of the state’s ban on abortion after six weeks.
to survive.
“He’s expected to be OK,” April Newkirk, Smith’s mother, told Atlanta 11 Alive. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying. He’s here now.”
Newkirk confirmed that Smith will be taken off life support on June 17, calling the situation “hard to process”.
In February, while nine weeks pregnant, Smith began experiencing severe health issues. She first sought treatment at a nearby hospital for an intense headache, where doctors treated her and sent her home. The following day, her boyfriend noticed her struggling to breathe and immediately called 911.
A CT scan revealed blood clots in Smith’s brain, and by Feb. 19, doctors had declared her brain dead. But Georgia’s abortion law required doctors to keep her on life support, her mother told 11Alive.
Adrianna Smith was a ray of light
Newkirk said Smith “was a ray of light,” who looked forward to having a baby join her 7-year-old son.
“She loved to travel. She loved her family. She’s a good mom,” Newkirk said. “She wanted to advance her education. She loved people.”
Smith turned 31 over the weekend. Her mom shared a final wish for her daughter.
“If I could say one more thing to her, I guess I would tell her that I love her,” Newkirk said. “She was a great daughter.”
GoFundMe for Adrianna Smith
Newkirk has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Chance and Smith’s 7-year-old son, helping cover medical expenses and long-term care. The fundraiser has already raised over $145,000 toward its $275,000 goal.
Read more on Adriana Smith
- Family honors Adriana Smith one year after death with Atlanta billboard campaign calling for Georgia law reform
- Georgia baby born after mother declared brain dead faces health struggles
- Adriana Smith taken off life support after baby delivered via emergency c-section
- Georgia family seeks support after young mother declared brain dead, kept on life support due to pregnancy
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram
Virgin Islands announces lineup for 74th annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
Memphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother
Asbury Park High School: History Seminar
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
Druski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
Kendrick Johnson’s parents file $10B lawsuit against federal judges
GoFundMe launched after Alabama mother is fatally shot by husband hours after giving birth
Family demands justice after Baltimore County man dies after being punched by police officer in violent encounter
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Community2 weeks agoShaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
-
Social Justice4 days agoNew Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
-
Education1 week agoAsbury Park High School: Crossover event esports and history with Tina Watson
-
Social Justice6 days agoJury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word
-
Culture2 weeks agoWu‑Tang Clan concert film to screen at The Pinhook as part of Wu‑Tang Wednesday Series
-
Social Justice1 week agoFamily pleads for Trump’s help bringing severely ill son home from Chinese prison
-
Crime & Justice5 days agoDetroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
-
Culture4 days agoDruski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
-
In Memoriam2 weeks agoIn Memoriam: Beloved Showtime at the Apollo co-host Kiki Shepard
-
Police2 days agoMemphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother