The death of Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old certified nurse-midwife, has sparked profound grief and outrage within the community and beyond. Green Smith, who dedicated her career to improving Black maternal health, tragically passed away on January 1, 2024, just days after giving birth to her daughter, Eden. Her untimely death highlights the ongoing crisis surrounding maternal health disparities, particularly affecting Black women in the United States.
Green Smith and her husband, Daiquan Smith, were thrilled to expect their first child, with a due date of February 25, a date that coincided with the birthday of Daiquan’s late great-grandmother. Family and friends gathered in Greenville, South Carolina, for a joyous baby shower, underscoring the excitement surrounding the couple’s new journey. However, the celebration turned somber when Green Smith was hospitalized on Christmas Eve due to severe preeclampsia, a serious condition that can threaten both mother and child.
After an emergency C-section performed on December 26, baby Eden was born prematurely at just 32 weeks. While the initial surgery was successful, complications arose during Green Smith’s recovery. Family members reported that her condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in her death less than a week after childbirth. The exact cause of her death remains unconfirmed as investigations continue.
Green Smith’s death adds to alarming statistics regarding Black maternal health. According to the latest data, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is approximately 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the national average of 18.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. This disparity has been attributed to various factors, including systemic racism, implicit biases, and healthcare disparities. In contrast, Norway, which shares a similar income level with the U.S., reports only 1 death per 100,000 live births.
Impact and Advocacy Following Tragedy
Green Smith was not only a midwife but also a passionate advocate for Black maternal health. Her journey into midwifery began with a desire to combat the alarming statistics surrounding Black maternal mortality. “I wanted to do something about it,” she stated in a video shared on social media. Her commitment to listening to patients and addressing their concerns exemplified her dedication to the field.
Despite her qualifications and experience, Green Smith faced the same systemic challenges that many Black women encounter in healthcare. She did not have a midwife present during her pregnancy, a choice made to avoid potential conflicts of interest with her own practice. The need for improved access to midwifery care is evident, as studies indicate that having a midwife can positively influence birth outcomes.
Following her passing, vigils were held in both Greenville and Charleston, drawing fellow midwives, former patients, and family members to honor her memory. Nichole Wardlaw, Green Smith’s aunt and fellow nurse-midwife, expressed her devastation, stating, “Janell was fighting with all of the rest of us who are tired of, day in and day out, looking at these numbers.”
Statements from various organizations have condemned the ongoing issue of Black maternal mortality. The American College of Nurse-Midwives released a statement expressing sorrow over Green Smith’s death, emphasizing that it is both “heartbreaking and unacceptable” for a midwife and maternal health expert to die from complications related to childbirth. The National Black Nurses Association echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for accountability in addressing the systemic issues that contribute to these disparities.
A Call for Change
Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, noted that more than 80% of maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women. “The will is not there to solve an issue that unfortunately has not gotten better,” he stated.
Wardlaw’s grief is intertwined with a sense of urgency for change. She emphasized the need for systemic improvements, stating, “We cannot continue to lose our women.” Green Smith’s legacy serves as a somber reminder of the work that remains to be done in ensuring safe and equitable care for all mothers, particularly those from marginalized communities.
As the community processes this tragic loss, the call for action grows louder. Advocates urge for reforms that prioritize the health and well-being of Black mothers, ensuring that no woman faces the tragic fate that befell Janell Green Smith.
