A South Carolina midwife who advocated for Black maternal healthcare died due to childbirth complications after delivering her first child on Friday, Jan. 2. She was 31.
Dr. Janell Green Smith partnered with Hive Impact Fund to educate young Black mothers before and after childbirth. Dr. Smith and Hive Impact worked to reduce Black maternal mortality among young mothers.
Her colleagues described her as deeply compassionate and a fierce advocate for birthing people — especially Black women, who face staggering risks during pregnancy due to systemic racism and bias.
The American College of Nurse-Midwives described Dr. Smith as a “respected midwife, scholar, and advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to respectful, evidence-based, and equitable care.”
They called her death “devastating,” saying it’s a painful reminder of systemic failures in maternal care. “It’s the kind of loss that feels personal to anyone who’s worked beside her—or been helped by her.”
The post described the death of a Black maternal advocate as “both heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
“That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. 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.”
ACNM is committed to dismantling healthcare disparities among Black mothers, and to “work alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.”
The post continued:
“We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith’s family, loved ones, and the midwifery community. We carry her legacy forward with urgency, humility, and resolve.”
A GoFundMe account was created to raise money for Smith’s husband, Daiquan Smith, and their newborn baby to “help ease the immediate and ongoing financial burdens” following her unexpected death.
According to the description, all proceeds will go toward funeral and memorial expenses, living costs, newborn essentials and ongoing support for her husband and baby.
“Any contribution — no matter the size — will help provide stability, relief, and care during a time when the family needs it most. Please continue to keep the Smith Family lifted in prayer.”
