Community Mourns Midwife’s Death, Spotlighting Maternal Health Crisis

The death of midwife Janell Green Smith has ignited a national conversation regarding the alarming disparities in maternal health for Black women in the United States. Green Smith, 31, succumbed to complications shortly after giving birth to her daughter Eden on December 26, 2023. Her passing highlights systemic issues that contribute to high maternal mortality rates among Black mothers, prompting widespread mourning and calls for urgent reforms.

Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice, dedicated her career to supporting Black women through childbirth in South Carolina. She had participated in over 300 births, promoting safe delivery practices. The excitement surrounding her pregnancy was palpable, especially as her due date of February 25 coincided with her husband’s late great-grandmother’s birthday. Family and friends celebrated her impending motherhood joyfully, donning bright pink outfits at her baby shower.

Tragically, the joy turned to despair when, on Christmas Eve, Green Smith was admitted to the hospital due to severe preeclampsia, a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Just two days later, she delivered Eden prematurely at 32 weeks, requiring immediate medical intervention. Despite the initial success of the delivery, complications arose that necessitated emergency surgery. Less than a week after giving birth, she passed away on January 1, 2024.

The circumstances surrounding Green Smith’s death remain unclear, as CNN has not confirmed the exact cause. Nonetheless, data indicates that Black women face disproportionately higher risks during and after childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the maternal mortality rate for Black women stands at 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 18.3 for women of other races. This stark contrast highlights a multi-faceted crisis rooted in systemic racism, implicit biases, and disparities in healthcare access and quality.

Personal Tragedy and Professional Impact

Green Smith’s death reverberated throughout her community and the broader healthcare landscape. Her aunt-in-law, Nichole Wardlaw, a fellow midwife, expressed her grief, stating, “Janell was fighting with all of the rest of us who are tired of looking at these numbers. She was my comrade in this fight. And now she is gone.” Wardlaw emphasized that Green Smith was deeply aware of the statistics surrounding Black maternal health, which motivated her to pursue midwifery to contribute to solutions.

Green Smith’s qualifications did not protect her from the very risks she sought to mitigate in others. Despite her extensive training and experience, she was unable to secure a midwife for her own pregnancy, as many midwives prefer to avoid potential conflicts of interest within their own practices. This highlights a critical gap in the support system for expecting mothers, particularly those serving their communities.

Following her emergency C-section on December 26, Green Smith initially appeared to be recovering well. However, complications arose shortly thereafter, culminating in a second surgery and ultimately, her tragic death. “We’re still trying to find out exactly what happened,” Wardlaw remarked, expressing the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of Green Smith’s passing.

Calls for Accountability and Change

In the wake of Green Smith’s death, Prisma Health, the organization operating the hospital where she died, issued a statement mourning her loss. President and CEO Mark O’Halla described Green Smith as a “trusted colleague” and “cherished friend,” acknowledging her dedication to her patients and colleagues. Vigils were held in her honor in Greenville and Charleston, drawing midwives, patients, and family members alike.

National organizations have since voiced outrage over the ongoing maternal health crisis affecting Black women. The American College of Nurse-Midwives issued a public statement declaring, “That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.” They emphasized the urgent need for accountability and systemic change to address the disparities that continue to plague Black maternal health.

The National Black Nurses Association echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Green Smith’s credentials did not shield her from the risks inherent in the healthcare system. “That reality demands more than reflection; it demands accountability,” they stated.

As the community grapples with this tragic loss, the spotlight on Black maternal health has intensified. Activists and healthcare professionals alike are calling for immediate reforms to ensure that no more lives are lost due to systemic failures. Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, noted that over 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable, underscoring the urgent need for systemic changes.

For Wardlaw, the grief surrounding Green Smith’s death is compounded by a sense of anger and frustration. “We cannot continue to lose our women,” she stated firmly, capturing the collective resolve of those advocating for change. Green Smith’s legacy will undoubtedly fuel continued efforts to address the disparities in maternal health that have persisted for far too long.