The untimely death of Janell Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice, has sparked profound grief and concern over the alarming state of Black maternal health in the United States. Green Smith, 31, died on January 1, 2024, following complications from childbirth, just days after welcoming her baby, Eden, on December 26, 2023. Her passing has drawn attention to the stark disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black women.
Green Smith’s journey into motherhood began on a hopeful note when she announced her pregnancy during the summer of 2023. Her family celebrated the news, especially since her due date coincided with the birthday of her husband Daiquan Smith‘s late great-grandmother. Friends and family gathered in Greenville, South Carolina, for a joyful baby shower, marking the occasion with bright pink outfits.
However, the celebration turned to tragedy when Green Smith was admitted to the hospital on Christmas Eve due to severe preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy-related condition. After delivering baby Eden prematurely, further complications arose, leading to an emergency surgery. Despite the initial success, Green Smith’s health deteriorated rapidly, culminating in her death less than a week post-delivery.
Statistics reveal a troubling reality. According to recent data, Black women in the U.S. face a maternal mortality rate of 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to the national average of 18.3 deaths. This stark contrast has been attributed to systemic racism, implicit biases, and disparities in healthcare access. In comparison, Norway, a nation with a similar income level, reports a maternal mortality rate of just 1 death per 100,000 live births.
Green Smith was acutely aware of these statistics. South Carolina ranks among the top ten states for maternal mortality, a fact that weighed heavily on her as she dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Black mothers. Her husband’s aunt, Nichole Wardlaw, a fellow midwife, described Green Smith as a passionate advocate for maternal health, lamenting, “She was fighting with all of the rest of us who are tired of looking at these numbers. And now she is gone.”
The impact of her loss extends beyond personal grief. Green Smith entered the field of midwifery after learning about the alarming statistics affecting Black maternal health. In a video posted to Instagram in April 2024, she expressed her desire to be part of the solution, stating, “I wanted to be a part of the solution and step into a role as the provider that would listen to my patients when they said they were in pain.”
Despite her extensive experience and credentials, Green Smith faced the same systemic barriers that contribute to the high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Wardlaw noted that Green Smith did not have a midwife present during her own pregnancy due to potential conflicts of interest associated with her professional practice.
The circumstances surrounding Green Smith’s death have raised questions about the quality of care she received. Following her admission, doctors deemed her condition serious enough to perform an emergency C-section. While the procedure successfully delivered baby Eden, complications arose shortly thereafter. On December 29, Green Smith experienced a critical incident that led to another emergency surgery. Despite initial recovery, her health continued to decline, culminating in her heart stopping on January 1.
Prisma Health, the healthcare provider where Green Smith worked and passed away, acknowledged her contributions in a statement from President and CEO Mark O’Halla. He described her as a “trusted colleague” and “cherished friend,” emphasizing the impact of her dedication to her patients and colleagues.
In South Carolina, vigils have been held in memory of Green Smith, drawing fellow midwives, former patients, and family members. The widespread mourning reflects a collective outrage at the persistent threats facing Black mothers. The American College of Nurse-Midwives issued a statement expressing that Green Smith’s death was both “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” highlighting the disproportionate risks Black women face, regardless of their professional qualifications.
The National Black Nurses Association echoed these sentiments, stating, “Dr. Green Smith’s knowledge did not shield her. Her credentials did not protect her.” This reality underscores the urgent need for accountability and reforms within the healthcare system.
Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, noted that more than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. He emphasized that the will to address these issues has been lacking, resulting in a continued crisis for Black mothers.
For Wardlaw, the grief over Green Smith’s passing is intertwined with anger and frustration over a healthcare system that fails to protect its most vulnerable. “We cannot continue to lose our women,” she declared, reflecting a call to action that resonates deeply within the community.
The legacy of Janell Green Smith serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change in maternal healthcare, particularly for Black women who continue to face alarming risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Her story not only highlights the challenges but also the dedication of those who strive for a better future for mothers and children alike.
