South Carolina midwife Dr. Janell Green Smith dies after childbirth complications

Dr. Janell Green Smith, a South Carolina midwife and doctor of nurse pratice, known for her devotion to maternal health, family, has died from complications following childbirth. She was in her early 30s.

Midwife’s Death Highlights Ongoing Crisis in Black Maternal Health

Her death has drawn national attention because she spent her career advocating for safer outcomes for Black birthing families. She often described herself as a “Loc’d Midwife,” embracing her identity and her mission to improve maternal care.

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National Organization Calls Loss ‘Heartbreaking and Unacceptable’

The American College of Nurse-Midwives issued a public statement.

• They mourned her death and condemned the systemic failures that contributed to it.
• The group called the loss a “profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people.”

The statement stressed that data shows Black women continue to face higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of income, education, or professional expertise. Leaders said her death reflects the ongoing impact of racism and gaps in care across the United States.

Dr. Janell Green Smith: A Career Built on Service and Determination

Green Smith became a certified nurse-midwife in 2021. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2024, a milestone she nearly abandoned after her mother died in 2023. Green Smith wrote on Instagram that she withdrew from the program during her grief, then returned the next year to finish.

She shared her faith openly, writing that strength during hardship “is sufficient to carry you through any hurt if you allow it.” Her message resonated with many who followed her journey.

Creative Work Rooted in Community

Beyond midwifery, Green Smith was a photographer who captured maternity sessions, family portraits, and life milestones. She often joked that she was a “Certified Nurse Midwife catching babies & angles,” blending her clinical work with her artistic eye.

Her images celebrated families and documented moments of joy, connection, and new beginnings.

Support Grows for Her Husband and Newborn

A GoFundMe has been created to support her husband, Daiquan, and their newborn child. Donations and messages of sympathy have come from families she served, colleagues across the country, and supporters of Black maternal health.

Her death leaves a deep void in the communities she uplifted. Yet her advocacy, mentorship, and artistry continue to influence conversations about maternal health equity nationwide.