UPDATE: The tragic death of Janell Green Smith, a dedicated midwife and maternal health advocate, has ignited urgent discussions surrounding the alarming crisis in Black maternal health. Green Smith, 31, passed away on January 1, 2024, just days after giving birth to her daughter, baby Eden. Her death sheds light on the systemic issues contributing to the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates affecting Black women.
Green Smith, a certified nurse-midwife with a focus on supporting Black mothers, was hospitalized on December 24 due to severe preeclampsia. After delivering baby Eden on December 26 via emergency C-section, complications arose that ultimately led to her untimely death. According to her family, her heart stopped beating during recovery, leaving behind a grieving community and a newborn daughter.
The crisis is stark: while the national maternal mortality rate stands at 18.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, this figure escalates to a staggering 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births for Black women, highlighting a disturbing trend fueled by systemic racism and disparities in healthcare. In comparison, Norway, which shares a similar per capita income with the United States, reports only 1 death per 100,000 live births.
Green Smith’s death has sent shockwaves through her community in Greenville, South Carolina. Vigils have been held in her honor, with friends, family, and fellow midwives expressing their sorrow and outrage over the continued risks facing Black mothers. “We cannot continue to lose our women,” said Nichole Wardlaw, Green Smith’s aunt and fellow midwife, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
The American College of Nurse-Midwives condemned the circumstances surrounding Green Smith’s death, calling it “heartbreaking and unacceptable.” They highlighted that even highly educated and experienced women like Green Smith are not shielded from the dangers inherent in childbirth in the United States. “Her credentials did not protect her,” stated the National Black Nurses Association, demanding accountability within the healthcare system.
Green Smith’s commitment to improving birth outcomes for Black mothers was deeply personal. She entered the field after learning about the alarming statistics affecting her community. Despite her expertise, she did not have a midwife present during her own pregnancy, a choice driven by the complexities of her professional life and potential conflicts of interest.
As news of her passing continues to spread, the call for systemic reform in maternal healthcare grows louder. Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP’s Center for Health Equity, noted that more than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. “The will is not there to solve an issue that unfortunately has not gotten better,” he stated, reflecting the prevailing frustration among healthcare professionals.
The urgency of addressing maternal health disparities has never been clearer. Green Smith’s story is not just a personal tragedy; it is a rallying cry for change in a system that continues to fail Black mothers. As her community mourns, they are also mobilizing for justice and reform, ensuring that Green Smith’s legacy will inspire action that could save lives.
The healthcare community is called upon to listen, learn, and take significant steps toward eradicating the challenges that lead to these preventable deaths. The spotlight is shining on maternal health, and those affected are demanding immediate action. Green Smith’s death is a painful reminder of the work that remains to be done to ensure that no mother faces such unnecessary risks during one of the most vulnerable times in her life.
