Dr. Janell Green Smith was a certified nurse-midwife and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) who dedicated her career to preventing childbirth complications and improving maternal outcomes. In South Carolina, she created a safe space for her patients, ensuring they felt seen and heard.
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But despite her passionate advocacy, education and proximity to care, Green Smith died on Jan. 2, following the delivery of her first child. Her devastating loss makes it clear that no amount of professional experience or preparation guarantees protection against Black maternal mortality.
Green Smith, who was 31, documented pivotal moments in her life on Instagram, including earning her doctorate and getting married — both in 2024. She also included a video explaining her “why” for becoming a midwife.
“Black women are three times more likely to die in pregnancy and in childbirth than any other race. In hearing these alarming statistics, I wanted to do something about it,” Green Smith said.
Her stat referenced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) 2020 findings that non-Hispanic Black women experienced 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births vs. non-Hispanic white women, who experienced a much lower 19.1 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Green Smith concluded her statement with, “I would like to tell all Black mothers all over the world that I see you, I salute you, I honor you and your midwife will always support you.”
Across the country, healthcare workers, patients, and supporters are remembering Dr. Green Smith not only as a clinician and advocate but also as a leader who transformed maternity care delivery. Nurse and influencer Jen Hamilton shared her own tribute on Instagram.
“I don’t know what happened, but I need you to understand that Black maternal mortality is real. It does not care who you are. It does not care what you know; it is real,” Hamilton said.
In 2023, the CDC reported that 30 percent of Black women reported mistreatment during maternal care. This statistic doesn’t account for the number of women who chose not to report their situations due to fear of jeopardizing their care, embarrassment or simply thinking their concerns would go unheard.
Hamilton spoke to bias against Black women in health care, saying, “When they tell you something is wrong, something is wrong.” Other creators chimed in, highlighting the health care system’s institutional failure and the need for accountability.
“I have no words for the loss of this woman😢,” @taylorleeczer wrote. She delivered my baby and stayed with me for 40 hours and was my angel during the darkest hours. My favorite midwife and the most beautiful person inside and out.”
Details surrounding her death have not yet been made public. A GoFundMe was created to help Green Smith’s family with expenses following her death.
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