Adriana Smith’s baby delivered by C-section after mother was declared brain-dead during pregnancy

Adriana Smith was removed from life support on following the birth of her baby via C-section at Emory Hospital.

Adriana Smith, the 30-year-old Georgia woman who was declared brain-dead earlier this year, was removed from life support on Tuesday after her baby was born via Caesarean section.

The procedure took place on Friday evening at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta. The newborn, named Chance, weighed one pound, thirteen ounces and is currently being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Smith’s mother, April Newkirk, confirmed that her daughter was about six months pregnant when she was removed from life support. Her medical ordeal began after severe headaches led to a hospital visit, where she was treated and discharged without further testing. She was later admitted to Emory, where blood clots were found following a CT scan.

Smith’s case has drawn national attention amid Georgia’s strict abortion laws, particularly the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act. The legislation recognises fetal personhood, potentially complicating medical decisions after “a detectable human heartbeat” is present which is possible as early as six weeks. Smith was nine weeks pregnant when she started experiencing symptoms .

The case has reignited political and ethical debates around reproductive rights and medical care. U.S. Representative Nikema Williams is leading federal efforts to clarify patient rights and repeal restrictive state laws that interfere with end-of-life and reproductive care.