The family of Adriana Smith confirmed that their brain-dead child gave birth to her baby son through an emergency cesarean section while on life support at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Smith delivered her premature infant early Friday morning at the same medical facility where she served as a nurse.
At 31 years old, Smith was nine weeks along when she was pronounced brain dead in February. Emory Hospital refused to wean her off the ventilator due to her pregnancy status.
According to Smith’s family, Emory physicians informed them that they could not take Smith off life support because state regulations prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Smith’s situation has ignited strong feelings and has prompted discussions regarding abortion legislation and the involvement of hospitals in political matters.
April Newkirk, Smith’s mother, shared with WXIA-TV that the baby, named Chance, weighs 1 pound and 13 ounces. “He’s anticipated to be alright,” Newkirk told 11Alive News. “He’s just battling. We simply want prayers for him.”
Newkirk mentioned that Smith had a deep passion for her nursing career at Emory. Smith sought medical attention at Northside Hospital after suffering from severe headaches in February. However, she was discharged with medication without undergoing any diagnostic evaluations.
The following morning, Smith’s boyfriend discovered her unresponsive and making gurgling sounds. She was immediately taken to Emory Decatur before being transferred to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where she was diagnosed with blood clots in her brain.
Smith also has a 7-year-old son who longs for his mother. Her family marked her 31st birthday on Sunday.
The family made the choice to take Smith off life support on Tuesday.
“I’m her mother,” Newkirk expressed to WXIA. “I shouldn’t have to bury my daughter. My daughter should be the one burying me.”