News Summary
Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old woman tragically declared brain dead after suffering severe headaches, has her funeral arrangements set. A viewing will take place followed by a funeral service at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. Smith’s case has drawn attention to the implications of Georgia’s restrictive abortion laws as she was kept on life support while pregnant. As the family mourns, discussions surrounding medical ethics and legal rights continue to unfold.
Metro Atlanta, GA — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old woman who was declared brain dead earlier this year after suffering from severe headaches. Smith, who gave birth to her son Chance via emergency C-section while on life support, was removed from life support on June 17.
A viewing for Adriana Smith is scheduled for Friday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. The church is located at 6133 Redan Road.
In February, Smith was approximately eight weeks pregnant when she first sought medical help due to severe headaches. After visiting two medical facilities where she received medication but no comprehensive tests, she was later found unresponsive by her boyfriend, necessitating an urgent hospital visit. Medical examinations revealed that she had multiple blood clots in her brain, leading to her declaration of brain death on February 19.
Smith’s case garnered attention due to her family being required to keep her on life support as dictated by Georgia’s restrictive abortion law, known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act. This law, which prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, complicates circumstances involving brain-dead women as it mandates that any cessation of life support would end the pregnancy. Smith’s family stated that they had to comply with this law despite the emotional toll it took on them.
April Newkirk, Smith’s mother, described the situation as heartbreaking and emphasized the family’s need for prayers and support during this difficult time. The family was able to welcome Chance, who was born prematurely weighing about 1 pound and 13 ounces. The infant is currently receiving care in a neonatal intensive care unit but is expected to be alright.
Adriana Smith also had an older son and celebrated her 31st birthday shortly before her life support was withdrawn. Her case has surfaced significant discussions surrounding the legal and ethical implications of how abortion laws affect decisions related to pregnant women who are declared brain dead.
The Georgia abortion law, which took effect in 2019, gained traction after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. It includes exceptions for protecting women’s lives or health, as well as circumstances involving documented rape or incest. In light of Smith’s situation, representatives from Emory Healthcare emphasized their commitment to patient safety and legal guidelines while adhering to patient confidentiality.
Supporters of the law, including Republican State Senator Ed Setzler, defended the hospital’s actions, asserting the importance of upholding the value of innocent human life. Conversely, the handling of Smith’s case has faced criticism from various quarters. Many argue that the healthcare decisions for families should be respected, particularly in such complex and tragic cases.
The situation highlights the ongoing legal and ethical debates regarding the treatment of pregnant women who are declared brain dead, as well as the implications of restrictive abortion laws in conservative states. As family and friends gather to commemorate Adriana Smith’s life, the broader conversations about medical ethics, legal rights, and individual cases continue to unfold.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Legislative Changes Coming to Georgia
Additional Resources
- ABC News: Pregnant Brain-Dead Woman
- Wikipedia: Abortion in the United States
- NBC News: Baby Born from Brain-Dead Woman
- Google Search: Georgia Abortion Law
- BBC News: Case of Brain-Dead Pregnant Woman
- Google Scholar: Brain Death Pregnancy Laws
- AP News: Pregnant Woman Brain Dead in Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brain Death
- New York Post: Brain-Dead Woman Gives Birth
- Google News: Pregnant Brain Dead Woman
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
