The family of a woman who was kept on life support to deliver her baby has shared a poignant update about the child’s progress.
Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old nurse from Atlanta, Georgia, was declared brain dead while on life support. Despite having no chance of recovery, she was kept alive to allow her baby to reach a stage where a C-section could be performed.
In February 2025, Smith experienced a medical emergency, and by May, doctors confirmed she was brain dead.
At that time, Smith was nine weeks pregnant. Due to Georgia’s ‘heartbeat law’, medical professionals were required to maintain her life support to protect the fetus.
In a statement on GoFundMe, her family expressed: “We had no say so regarding her lifeless body and unborn child.”
In June, Adriana’s son Chance was delivered prematurely by C-section, weighing only 1lb 13oz, and was immediately admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.
Later that month, life support was withdrawn, and her family held a funeral for Adriana.
Adriana’s mother, April Newkirk, has since provided a heart-wrenching update on Chance, who has remained in intensive care due to his premature birth.
She shared: “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 is 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 prayers and help. Continue to pray because God has the final say so.”
An update on October 14 included photos of Chance and noted that he was ‘growing well’.
The post stated: “Chance’s lungs are underdeveloped, so he will stay in the nicu unit until his breathing gets better.
“Chase saw his little brother by video. This was a touching moment. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Keep praying.”
Following the overturning of Roe v Wade, Georgia’s abortion laws have become more stringent.
The state’s law only allows pregnancy termination to ‘save the pregnant person’s life’, ‘preserve’ their ‘physical health’, or if ‘the fetus is not expected to survive the pregnancy’.
The ‘fetal personhood laws’ also recognize a fetus as having full legal rights as a person from conception.
Switching off Adriana’s life support would have been illegal, as the pregnancy was not jeopardizing her, and the fetus had a viable chance of survival.
This meant that Adriana’s family had to endure a prolonged period before her passing.
A GoFundMe campaign to support the family has raised $547,670 of its $600,000 goal at the time of this writing.
If you wish to contribute to the fundraiser, you can do so here.