Adriana Smith, a metro Atlanta nurse declared brain dead while pregnant, gave birth to her son, Chance.
Her family’s heartbreaking journey raises important questions about Georgia’s abortion law.
Adriana Smith’s Tragic Story
In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Adriana Smith’s family received bittersweet news.
Their beloved daughter, a dedicated nurse who had been declared brain dead in February, had given birth to a baby boy.
Chance, a premature newborn, arrived after an emergency Cesarean section, weighing just 1 pound 13 ounces.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the family remains hopeful as the infant fights for his life in the NICU.
“He’s expected to be OK,” shared Adriana’s mother, April Newkirk. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him.”
But while Adriana’s son begins his fight for survival, her family prepares to say goodbye.
With a heavy heart, Newkirk shared that her daughter would be taken off life support on Tuesday, June 17.
As the family navigates the heart-wrenching reality of losing Adriana, they continue to hold on to their memories of her—an amazing mother, nurse, and shining light in their lives.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Choice: The Fight For A Family’s Right To Decide
Adriana’s story has sparked national conversations about Georgia’s controversial abortion laws.
Declared brain dead in February while just eight weeks pregnant, Adriana’s case put the state’s laws to the test.
Georgia’s House Bill 481, also known as the LIFE Act, bans most abortions after six weeks, when cardiac activity is typically detected.
However, the law does not explicitly address cases of brain death, creating confusion among medical professionals and lawmakers alike.
State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes voiced concerns over the contradictions within the law, stating, “These are not small contradictions. These are life and death contradictions.”
The Attorney General’s Office clarified that the LIFE Act does not require medical professionals to keep a woman on life support after brain death, but the situation remains murky for families like Adriana’s, who had to navigate a law that impacted their ability to make critical medical decisions.
In the face of these laws, Newkirk has been vocal about her belief that all women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.
“I think all women should have a choice about their body,” she reiterated during a recent interview. “And I think I want people to know that.”
A Legacy Of Love: Remembering Adriana Smith
Adriana Smith’s family describes her as a ray of light—an optimistic and loving woman who dedicated her life to others.
As a registered nurse, Adriana cared deeply for her patients and worked tirelessly to advance her career.
According to her mother, Adriana loved to travel, spend time with family, and, most of all, be an amazing mom to her 7-year-old son.
Her family fondly remembers her as a woman who truly cared for others, with one former patient even reaching out to share how Adriana continued to check in on them after she was no longer their nurse.
“She was special,” Newkirk said, wiping away tears. “Very smart. A great person. This is a lot for us, but we know that she was loved by so many.”
Support During A Time Of Need
As the family faces mounting hospital bills and the emotional toll of this tragedy, they continue to raise funds to support long-term care for Chance and Adriana’s 7-year-old son.
An online fundraiser has been established to help ease the financial strain during this incredibly difficult time.
Despite the grief, Adriana’s family is determined to honor her memory, holding on to the strength and love she brought to every aspect of her life.
“Life has its ups and downs,” Newkirk shared. “But this hit us really, really hard. We would just like for everyone to continue to pray for us and give us our privacy.”
A Family’s Call For Compassion And Choice
Adriana Smith’s story is one of unimaginable loss and strength, but it also underscores the ongoing fight for women’s rights and reproductive choice.
While the family grapples with the complexities of Georgia’s laws, they remain resolute in their hope for a future where families are empowered to make decisions about their own healthcare.
As Adriana’s family says goodbye to a beloved daughter and welcomes a new life into the world, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, choice, and the right to make decisions that affect one’s body and life.
My heart goes out to the Smith family during this incredibly trying time.
Please join me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult journey.
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