A community is in mourning following the tragic death of Janell Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice in South Carolina. Green Smith, who dedicated her career to improving Black maternal health, died on January 1, 2024, just days after giving birth to her daughter, Eden. Her passing has intensified discussions around the alarming maternal mortality rates affecting Black women in the United States.
Green Smith, 31, had been eagerly anticipating her pregnancy, which she announced to her family during the summer of 2023. With a strong commitment to helping Black women, she had participated in over 300 births and was known for her compassionate care. The couple’s excitement was palpable, especially as their daughter’s due date of February 25 coincided with the birthday of Green Smith’s husband’s late great-grandmother.
Tragedy struck on Christmas Eve when Green Smith was admitted to the hospital due to severe preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that can arise during pregnancy. Just two days later, on December 26, she gave birth to baby Eden, who arrived prematurely at 32 weeks. While the initial surgery was successful, complications emerged shortly thereafter, leading to emergency surgery. Tragically, Green Smith passed away less than a week after welcoming her child.
The precise cause of her death remains unconfirmed, but statistics reveal a troubling trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women face a maternal mortality rate of 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the national average of 18.3 deaths. This disparity reflects systemic issues within the healthcare system, including racism and unequal access to care.
Impact of Green Smith’s Death
The loss of Green Smith has reverberated throughout her community and beyond, drawing attention to the ongoing crisis in Black maternal health. “We cannot continue to lose our women,” said Nichole Wardlaw, a fellow midwife and Green Smith’s aunt by marriage. Wardlaw expressed her grief and anger, stating that Green Smith was a dedicated advocate for change in a system that has consistently failed Black mothers.
Green Smith was passionate about her role in midwifery, motivated to address the “alarming statistics” surrounding Black maternal health. On social media, she emphasized her desire to be part of the solution, ensuring that her patients felt heard and supported. Her commitment to her community was evident, as she frequently went above and beyond to provide care and support during challenging times.
Despite her qualifications and dedication, Green Smith did not have a midwife present during her own pregnancy, a decision influenced by the complexities of navigating the healthcare system. On the night of December 29, she experienced a critical complication that led to a second emergency surgery. Although the procedure went well, Green Smith faced severe challenges during recovery, ultimately leading to her death.
Prisma Health, which operates the hospital where Green Smith died, released a statement expressing condolences. Mark O’Halla, President and CEO of Prisma Health, described Green Smith as a “trusted colleague” and a “cherished friend,” acknowledging the profound impact she had on those around her.
A Call for Accountability
Green Smith’s death has sparked outrage among national organizations advocating for maternal health. The American College of Nurse-Midwives condemned the circumstances surrounding her death, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in maternal healthcare. “That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” they stated.
The National Black Nurses Association echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Green Smith’s credentials did not protect her from the systemic issues that plague Black mothers. “Her death demands accountability,” they asserted, calling for urgent action to address the disparities in maternal care.
As the community grapples with this loss, vigils have taken place in Greenville and Charleston, drawing together fellow midwives, patients, and family members. The grief felt by those who knew Green Smith is compounded by a sense of frustration at the ongoing crisis affecting Black maternal health.
Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, highlighted the preventable nature of many maternal deaths, noting that over 80% are considered avoidable. “The will is not there to solve an issue that unfortunately has not gotten better,” he remarked.
As discussions continue around the need for systemic reform, the legacy of Janell Green Smith serves as a poignant reminder of the work that remains. Her commitment to her community and her tragic death highlight the critical need for change in maternal healthcare, ensuring that no mother is lost to preventable complications.
