Yet a heart-wrenching case has recently played out in Georgia. Adriana Smith, a 24-year-old woman, was declared brain dead after developing blood clots in her brain. Smith went to the hospital in February thinking she was having the worst migraine ever. Once stabilized on these medications, she was discharged from the hospital. Just a day later, she was rushed back to the hospital, unable to breathe. Tragically, within hours of diagnosis she was declared brain dead.
Smith was placed on artificial life support to allow her pregnancy to progress. This decision has raised a firestorm of ethical practice and legal debate on the nature of pregnancy and personhood. On June 13, the doctors opted to carry out an emergency C-section. This lifesaving procedure caused her son Chance to be born 15 weeks early at only 1 pound, 13 ounces. Chance is still getting specialized care at the neonatal intensive care unit.
April Newkirk, Smith’s mother, shared her emotional distress about what happened. She explained that physicians informed them that Georgia’s six-week abortion ban required Smith to remain on life support. This was essential to save her pregnancy.
“We didn’t have a choice or a say about it. We want the baby. That’s a part of my daughter. But the decision should have been left to us – not the state,” – April Newkirk.
The legal landscape complicates matters further. Georgia’s law takes us further down this road by encouraging the concept of “fetal personhood.” This change raises profound questions about families’ autonomy to make decisions about pregnancy care. Newkirk also shared her grief:
“I’m her mother. I shouldn’t be burying my daughter. My daughter should be burying me,” – April Newkirk.
The hospital at the center of Smith’s care has declined to discuss Smith’s case, due to privacy laws. They put out an announcement showing their dedication to patient safety and compliance with the law.
“We use consensus from clinical experts, medical literature, and legal guidance to support our providers as they make individualized treatment recommendations in compliance with Georgia’s abortion laws and all other applicable laws. Our top priorities continue to be the safety and wellbeing of the patients we serve,” – Hospital statement.
While the family continues to cope with this new journey of healing with Chance, Newkirk is hopeful for his best friend’s recovery.
“He’s expected to be OK. He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him. He’s here now,” – April Newkirk.
Adriana Smith, 21, is scheduled to be removed from life support on Tuesday. Reproductive care, pregnancy, state laws, and medical ethics are still intertwined and complicated issues that the terrible event urges us to consider and unpack.