Death of Black Maternal Health Expert After Childbirth Triggers Renewed Focus on Disparities

South Carolina mourns a trailblazing midwife whose death following childbirth has reignited a national conversation about Black maternal health. Janell Green Smith, age 31, a certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice, passed away on New Year’s Day after a sequence of pregnancy-related complications that began with a severe case of preeclampsia.

Green Smith and her husband, Daiquan Smith, wed in 2024 and had been eagerly awaiting their first child. her due date was February 25, the same date as her husband’s late great‑grandmother, a detail that served as a hopeful beacon for the couple. A fall baby shower in Greenville drew attendees from across the state, all celebrating what they expected would be a joyful chapter.

Her baby, Eden, arrived on December 26, prematurely at about 32 weeks and required lung support, while Green Smith faced a subsequent emergency procedure. A few days later, she began too experience post‑operative complications that culminated in her death on January 1. The family and clinicians have not publicly confirmed a single cause of death, but the outcome underscores a painful, recurring truth: Black mothers face markedly higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth.

Official figures show a stark racial gap in maternal mortality. Nationally, about 18.3 maternal deaths occur per 100,000 live births.Among Black women, the rate rises to roughly 47.4 per 100,000, a disparity that researchers link to systemic racism, implicit bias, and gaps in care. By comparison,a country with similar wealth levels records near one death per 100,000 live births.

Green Smith was deeply connected to this crisis long before her passing. Her rare blend of clinical expertise and community leadership had made an impact in the Lowcountry and beyond. Family members remember her as someone who listened intently to patients’ pain and worked to bring solutions to the bedside, not just to the conference room.

Her influence extended to colleagues who describe her as a passionate advocate for safer, more compassionate care. One relative, a fellow nurse midwife, recalled her as “an amazing human” whose warmth drew people to her and whose presence made every encounter meaningful. her compassion was matched by a readiness to challenge norms when patient safety demanded it.

Timeline of Events and reactions

Christmas Eve marked Green Smith’s hospital admission for preeclampsia, a condition that can threaten both mother and baby. Eden’s birth followed two days later, a hopeful moment amid rising concern. On December 29, Green Smith underwent an emergency procedure after her incision reopened and bleeding occurred during recovery. By January 1, her heart stopped beating, leaving a community searching for answers and accountability.

Prisma Health, which operates the hospital where Green Smith received care, has not issued a public description of the circumstances surrounding her death. In social‑media remarks, the system acknowledged her as a trusted colleague and cherished friend, noting that her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Advocacy groups and professional organizations have built a chorus of calls for change. The American College of Nurse‑Midwives condemned the tragedy and highlighted the broader reality that black women face disproportionate risks in childbirth, independent of education or profession. The National black Nurses Association echoed the demand for accountability amid calls to address systemic inequities in care.

In South carolina, vigils and tributes have drawn midwives, former patients, and family into a shared moment of grief and resolve. The broader national conversation about black maternal mortality has gained renewed urgency in light of recent incidents where Black mothers faced delays or dismissals in maternity care, underscoring the need for systemic reform.

Why These Numbers Matter

Experts point to persistent disparities as a defining feature of maternal outcomes in the United states. While most maternal deaths are considered preventable, a complex web of factors—ranging from access to timely care to the quality of clinical judgment—contributes to the risk for black mothers. The gap persists even among healthcare professionals who themselves are highly trained and well‑connected within the system.

For Wardlaw, a fellow midwife and the aunt of Green smith’s husband, the loss is personal and professional. She speaks of trying to reconcile the knowledge she carries with the harsh reality that it does not always translate into saved lives. “We cannot continue to lose our women,” she insists, underscoring a resolve to push for changes that reach beyond individual cases.

Key Facts at a Glance

Evergreen Perspectives: What This Means Going Forward

Beyond the immediate grief,experts emphasize the enduring need to translate knowledge into safer outcomes for Black mothers. The tragedy spotlights gaps in access to midwifery care, coordinated care during and after pregnancy, and the systemic barriers that undermine progress. Several enduring themes emerge for readers and policy makers alike:

• Integrating midwifery into standard maternal care can improve outcomes, but access remains uneven. Expanding equity in where and how midwives practice could help reach more at‑risk families.
• Data openness and accountability are critical. Clear investigations into maternal deaths, along with publicly shared findings, can spur reforms and restore public trust.
• Community engagement matters. Building trust within Black communities and ensuring culturally competent care at every touchpoint—from prenatal visits to postpartum follow‑up—can save lives.

National health data remain a stark reminder: roughly 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable. Health leaders advocate for stronger oversight, better training on bias, and wider adoption of proven practices to mitigate risk during and after pregnancy. These efforts are not just about statistics; they’re about protecting families, birthing people, and communities from avoidable loss.

For families like Green Smith’s, the focus now is on accountability and meaningful action. Advocates urge hospitals, clinics, and policy leaders to pair compassion with systematic change—so that expertise, no matter how deep, translates into safer births for every mother.

Reader Questions

What concrete steps would you prioritize to reduce Black maternal mortality in yoru community?

How can hospitals better connect professional care with community-based support to prevent tragedies like this?

What Comes next

As families and practitioners reflect on this loss, voices across the healthcare spectrum are calling for decisive action rooted in data, accountability, and sustained investment in maternal health. The conversation continues—and so does the work to ensure that every birth is safe for every mother.

Share your perspective in the comments and help keep the focus on turning heartbreak into lasting improvements for maternal care.