Family of brain dead woman who was kept alive to give birth due to abortion law share huge update on baby
Medics were legally obligated to keep the brain dead 31 year-old alive for the foetus
In February 2025, Adriana Smith experienced a medical emergency and went into a coma, placed on life support.
The 31-year-old nurse from Atlanta, Georgia, was declared brain dead three months later. However, as a result of being nine weeks pregnant at the time, medics were legally obligated to keep her alive to preserve the foetus under Georgia’s ‘heartbeat law'.
Adriana’s baby was delivered prematurely by C-section in June, weighing just 1lb 13oz. After the baby was delivered, Adriana was taken off life support and she passed away.
Her family have continued to speak out about the ‘tragic loss’ via a GoFundMe in a bid to ‘change the laws in Georgia' and never ‘forget’ Adriana.
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They’ve also used the page to share updates on the wellbeing of Adriana’s youngest son, Chance.
And on February 19, April Newkirk, Adriana’s mom, revealed Chance has finally been able to come ‘home’.
The full update reads: “First of all I want to tell everyone Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I have an announcement to make look who's home.
“Chance is home doing will still on oxygen I won't go into details but keep praying chase was do happy to see chance it made me cry im your big brother. adriana smith two sons.”
The update is accompanied by two images of Chance. The latest update on February 20 revealed a picture of the baby beaming, alongside the caption: “He’s a pleasant baby and happy look at that smile.”
Last month, February 9 marked one year since Adriana’s death.
To mark the day, Adriana’s family got 10 billboards placed throughout Atlanta seeking ‘justice’ for the mom, raising awareness of her story, demanding the laws be changed so families have ‘a say’ and aren’t just forced to watch a loved one’s ‘lifeless body’.
It states: “Adriana was only two months when placed on support and were given no choice to wait for months to find out the baby will suffer disease which will lead to major disabilities.”
The GoFundMe has raised over $600,0000 of its $660,000 target, the money raised going towards supporting Adriana’s eldest son and family who’ve been left ‘broken’ by her passing.
The family added they’re ‘asking for prayers and support during this time’ noting ‘anything helps’.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Poppy Bilderbeck