Community Mourns Midwife Janell Green Smith Amid Maternal Crisis

The tragic death of midwife Janell Green Smith has sparked outrage and renewed focus on the critical state of Black maternal health in the United States. Green Smith, a dedicated nurse-midwife with a wealth of experience, died on January 1, 2024, just days after giving birth to her daughter, Eden. Her passing underscores the alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women, who face significantly higher risks compared to their white counterparts.

Green Smith, 31, had been eagerly anticipating the birth of her child with her husband, Daiquan Smith. The couple celebrated their pregnancy with family and friends in Greenville, South Carolina, where they shared joyful moments, including a baby shower adorned with bright pink outfits. However, everything changed when Green Smith was hospitalized on Christmas Eve due to severe preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy-related condition.

After undergoing an emergency C-section on December 26, reports indicate that Green Smith developed complications that ultimately led to her death. While the specific cause remains unconfirmed, it highlights a broader issue. National statistics reveal that Black women experience a maternal mortality rate of 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the national average of 18.3. In stark contrast, Norway, with a comparable income level to the United States, reports a rate of just 1 death per 100,000 live births.

Personal and Professional Impact

Green Smith’s commitment to maternal health was deeply personal. Motivated by concerning statistics regarding Black maternal health, she dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Black women. “I wanted to do something about it,” she stated in an Instagram video earlier in April 2024. Her passion for midwifery was evident to those around her, including her husband’s aunt, Nichole Wardlaw, also a nurse-midwife. Wardlaw described Green Smith as a “comrade” in the fight for better maternal health, emphasizing the loss felt by the community.

Despite her professional background, Green Smith did not have a midwife present during her own pregnancy, a situation that is common among midwives due to potential conflicts of interest. According to Wardlaw, the medical team determined that Green Smith’s condition was serious enough to warrant an emergency procedure, which initially appeared successful. Tragically, complications arose during her recovery, leading to her untimely death.

Responses from the medical community reflect a growing awareness of systemic issues affecting Black maternal health. Mark O’Halla, President and CEO of Prisma Health, expressed his condolences, describing Green Smith as a “trusted colleague” whose legacy would inspire future generations.

Demand for Accountability

The impact of Green Smith’s death extends beyond personal grief; it has ignited conversations about the systemic failures contributing to high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Organizations such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the National Black Nurses Association have voiced their outrage, emphasizing that Green Smith’s professional credentials did not shield her from the risks faced by Black mothers.

“Her death underscores the persistent and well-documented reality that Black women face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and childbirth,” stated the American College of Nurse-Midwives in a public statement. Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, highlighted that over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, indicating a significant gap in healthcare delivery for marginalized communities.

Green Smith’s passing has led to public vigils in both Greenville and Charleston, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor her memory. The outpouring of support reflects a community grappling with grief while also demanding change. Wardlaw articulates the urgent need for action, stating, “We cannot continue to lose our women.”

As the nation mourns the loss of Janell Green Smith, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing crisis in Black maternal health, calling for accountability and systemic reform to protect future generations of mothers.