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Tragic Death of Midwife Highlights Urgent Issues in Black Maternal Health

KVIA•Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:37 PM•CNN

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The recent death of Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old certified nurse-midwife, has sparked renewed discussions about the alarming maternal mortality rates among Black women. Green Smith, who had extensive experience in assisting births, faced severe preeclampsia and complications following an emergency C-section on December 26, 2023. Despite her professional background, she tragically passed away on January 1, 2024, just days after giving birth. Statistics reveal that Black women have a maternal mortality rate of 47.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the national average of 18.3. This incident underscores the systemic issues affecting Black maternal health and the urgent need for improved care and awareness.

Key Details: • Janell Green Smith died on January 1, 2024, following childbirth complications. • She was admitted to the hospital on December 24, 2023, due to severe preeclampsia. • Black women face a maternal mortality rate of 47.4 per 100,000 live births. • Green Smith's death has reignited discussions on systemic racism in maternal healthcare.

healthcare advocacy maternal-health black-women preeclampsia

People & Organizations

Janell Green SmithDaiquan SmithNichole WardlawPenelope BowmanPrisma HealthGreenville, South Carolina

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