Black Midwife’s Death Highlights Systemic Failures in US Maternal Healthcare
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A tragic loss has ignited a renewed focus on racial disparities in maternal health, as Dr. Janell Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) in South Carolina, has died from complications related to childbirth. Her passing, at just over 30 years old, is being described by the American Collage of Nurse-Midwives as a “profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people.”
Dr. Green Smith, who proudly identified as a “Loc’d Midwife,” dedicated her career to advocating for Black maternal health. She partnered with the Hive Impact Fund, a nonprofit association and app providing resources for parents during early childhood, especially during Black Maternal Health Week.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Maternal Health Community
The American College of Nurse-Midwives released a statement emphasizing the unacceptable nature of Dr. Green Smith’s death. “That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” the statement read. “Her death underscores the persistent and well-documented reality that Black women-regardless of education, income, or professional expertise-face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and childbirth due to systemic racism and failures in care.”
this tragedy underscores a critical issue: even those with expertise and access to healthcare are not immune to the dangers faced by Black women during and after pregnancy. Data consistently demonstrates that Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
A Dedicated Professional and Artist
Dr. Green Smith earned her certification as a midwife in 2021 and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2024. Her journey to obtain the DNP was marked by personal hardship; she shared on Instagram that the loss of her mother in 2023 nearly derailed her studies, leading her to temporarily withdraw from the program before ultimately persevering. “Moral of the story: The strength He gives in the storms of life is sufficient to carry you through any hurt if you allow it,” she wrote, reflecting on her resilience.
Beyond her work in midwifery, Dr. Green Smith was a talented photographer, branding herself as a “Certified Nurse Midwife catching babies & angles.” She skillfully captured life’s milestones, from engagement photos to newborn portraits and family gatherings.
Support for Family and Calls for Systemic Change
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Dr. Green Smith’s husband, Daiquan, and their newborn child. The campaign aims to provide financial assistance during
Why did this happen? Dr.Janell Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife, died from complications related to childbirth. Her death is attributed to systemic racism and failures within the U.S. maternal healthcare system, which disproportionately impacts Black women.
Who was involved? The key individuals are Dr. Janell Green Smith, her husband Daiquan, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Organizations involved include the Hive Impact Fund and those supporting the GoFundMe campaign.
What happened? A skilled and dedicated Black midwife died after giving birth despite her expertise and access to healthcare. This tragedy highlights the racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, where Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
How did it end? Dr. Green Smith tragically passed away. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her husband and newborn child. Her death has sparked renewed calls for comprehensive reform within the U.S. maternal healthcare system, focusing on addressing systemic racism and improving access to quality care for Black birthing people.
