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Tragic Death of Nurse-Midwife Sparks Urgent Discussion on Maternal Health Disparities

KVIA•Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 9:02 PM•CNN Newsource

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Dr. Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old nurse-midwife, tragically passed away on January 1 due to complications following childbirth. Despite her extensive experience in assisting over 300 births and her dedication to improving maternal health for Black women, she succumbed to severe preeclampsia shortly after delivering her daughter, Eden, on December 26. This incident highlights the alarming maternal mortality rates for Black women, which are significantly higher than the national average, drawing attention to systemic issues in healthcare. Green Smith's death has reignited discussions about the urgent need for equitable maternal care and the importance of addressing racial disparities in health outcomes.

Key Details: • Dr. Janell Green Smith died on January 1, 2024, following childbirth complications. • She delivered her daughter Eden prematurely at 32 weeks on December 26, 2023. • Maternal mortality rates for Black women are 47.4 per 100,000 live births, compared to 18.3 for all women. • Green Smith's case underscores the need for systemic change in maternal healthcare.

maternal-health black-women preeclampsia health-disparities nurse-midwife

People & Organizations

Janell Green SmithDaiquan SmithNichole WardlawPenelope BowmanGreenville, South Carolina

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