Strict abortion law explained as family give heartbreaking update on baby after brain-dead woman was kept alive to give birth
If someone had switched off Adriana's life support, they would have been breaking the law
The case of Adriana Smith, who was kept alive on life support due to Georgia's 'heartbeat' abortion law, has re-emerged after her family issued a new update.
Adriana, 31, from Atlanta, Georgia, had a medical emergency in February, with doctors later confirming she was brain-dead in May.
It is reported that Adriana was suffering from blood clots on her brain after reporting intense headaches.
Despite her condition, due to Georgia's 'heartbeat law', medics were obligated to keep her alive in order to preserve her baby until it could be delivered.
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In June, Adriana's son, Chance, was delivered prematurely by C-section, weighing just 1lb 13oz, and was transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit.
Adriana was then taken off life support, and her family were able to say their goodbyes.
Her mom, April Newkirk, has since shared an update about baby Chance, explaining: "It's holiday season and I'm very down.
"Chance is 11 pounds still in the NIC unit and will not be coming home soon. He going to be moved to a different hospital for more help with his health, and I want everyone to know that I'm very grateful for your prays and help.
"Continue to pray because God has the final say so."
Adriana was also mom to a seven-year-old boy.
Georgia's strict abortion laws
Georgia's 'heartbeat law' essentially banned abortion once fetal cardiac activity can be detected in the womb.
This is often around six weeks gestation. For many women, it can be so early that they aren't even aware they are pregnant yet.
Although the law was introduced in 2019, it only came into effect in 2022 when Roe v. Wade was overturned in the US.
At the time, the Republican governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, said: “Georgia values life. The legislature’s bold action reaffirms our priorities and who we are as a state.”
The law allows abortion to take place if the mother's life is at risk; however, in Adriana's case, doctors felt legally obligated not to end the pregnancy.
If someone had switched off Adriana's life support, they would have been breaking the law, as the pregnancy itself was not what was endangering her, and there was a sufficient chance that the foetus would survive the pregnancy.
A GoFundMe started to raise money for the family has since raised $547,670 of the $600,000 target at the time of writing.
If you want to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so here.
Lucy Devine