News Summary
Adriana Smith, a dedicated nurse from Atlanta, was laid to rest following a tragic brain death while pregnant. Her funeral in Lithonia gathered family and supporters advocating for ‘Adriana’s Law,’ highlighting the need for clearer medical rights in Georgia. Smith’s legacy as a compassionate caregiver and her tragic circumstances have sparked significant community response and fundraising for her surviving children.
Lithonia, Georgia – Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old nurse from metro Atlanta, was laid to rest on Saturday, following a tragic case in which she was declared brain dead while eight weeks pregnant. Smith’s funeral at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia drew family, friends, community members, and lawmakers who came together to honor her life and legacy.
The emotional service was characterized by poignant reflections from family and friends who paid tribute to Smith’s dedication to caring for others. Smith’s nursing career was marked by her compassion and commitment, qualities that left a lasting impact on those she served and worked with.
In February, Smith was admitted to two medical facilities due to severe headaches. After being prescribed medication, she did not receive necessary testing and soon became unresponsive. Following this, Grovetown Police arrested a man on charges related to child exploitation around the same time as Smith’s medical complications.
Upon being found unresponsive, Smith was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with multiple blood clots in her brain. She was declared brain dead on February 19, and due to Georgia’s LIFE Act, which restricts abortions after six weeks once fetal heartbeat activity is detected, she was kept on life support until the delivery of her child.
Smith was removed from life support on June 17, following an emergency C-section that took place on June 13. Her infant son, Chance, was born weighing just 1 pound, 13 ounces and is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Meanwhile, Smith’s other son, Chase, is 7 years old and is also receiving support from family during this trying time.
In response to Smith’s circumstances and to provide assistance for her children, her family established an online fundraiser that has successfully raised over $435,000 to aid with ongoing care for Chance and support for Chase.
During the funeral, Georgia State Representative Park Cannon attended and presented a resolution advocating for “Adriana’s Law,” which aims to address medical rights during pregnancy. This initiative has gained traction amid ongoing debates regarding the adequacy of Georgia’s LIFE Act, which does not provide clear guidelines for situations similar to Smith’s.
Advocates for “Adriana’s Law” argue that it should empower individuals to make decisions about their bodies and medical care, especially in light of existing restrictive laws. In response to the complexities surrounding the law, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr clarified that current legislation does not require life support for brain-dead individuals, highlighting the legal ambiguities encountered by families and medical professionals alike.
The funeral service included heartfelt tributes from Smith’s sister, Naya, along with poignant recollections from her former colleagues. An emotional poem was read by the Atlanta Metropolitan Nursing Honor Guard, symbolizing the deep respect held for Smith’s nursing career and the warmth she brought to those around her.
In closing, attendees honored Smith’s memory by carrying white roses, a symbol of respect and remembrance that underscored her legacy of care and the light she brought into the lives of her family and community. Smith will be remembered not only for her professional dedication as a nurse but also for her nurturing spirit as a mother and friend.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Baby Born to Brain-Dead Nurse Sparks Abortion Law Debate
Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Adriana Smith Funeral
- People: Funeral Held for Adriana Smith
- NBC News: Funeral for Brain-Dead Woman
- ABC News: Pregnant Brain-Dead Woman
- The Atlantic: Adriana Smith and Medical Ethics
- Wikipedia: Abortion in the United States
- Google Search: Adriana Smith funeral
- Google Scholar: Adriana Smith brain death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Life Support
- Google News: Georgia abortion law
