The loss of Janell Green Smith, a dedicated certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice, has left a profound impact on her community and shed light on the dire state of Black maternal health in the United States. Her tragic death, just one week after giving birth to her daughter Eden, has sparked a wave of grief and outrage, highlighting the systemic issues that continue to plague Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. But here's where it gets controversial: while her death is a stark reminder of the disparities in healthcare, it also underscores the need for a deeper examination of the underlying causes and a call to action for change.
Green Smith's story began with a promise of new life. After a successful career in midwifery, helping over 300 Black women give birth safely, she and her husband Daiquan Smith welcomed their own child. The timing of her due date, coincidentally the same as her husband's great-grandmother's birthday, seemed like a special sign. But fate had other plans.
On Christmas Eve, Green Smith was admitted to the hospital with severe preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition. Despite the successful delivery of her healthy baby, Eden, complications arose, leading to an emergency surgery. Tragically, Green Smith's life was cut short just a week after her daughter's birth.
The statistics surrounding Black maternal health are alarming. According to the CDC, Black women are 47.4 times more likely to die from childbirth complications than white women. This disparity is attributed to systemic racism, implicit biases, and care disparities. In countries like Norway, with similar per capita incomes, the maternal mortality rate is significantly lower, at 1 death per 100,000 live births.
Green Smith was acutely aware of these disparities. As a midwife in South Carolina, she witnessed the devastating impact of high maternal mortality rates. Her death has become a stark statistic, adding to the growing list of Black women who have lost their lives during pregnancy and childbirth.
The grief and outrage felt by Green Smith's community are palpable. Vigils were held in her honor, attended by fellow midwives, former patients, and family. The American College of Nurse-Midwives and the National Black Nurses Association have spoken out, emphasizing the need for accountability and addressing the persistent disparities in Black maternal health. But the question remains: what can be done to prevent further loss?
The high rate of Black maternal mortality is not a new issue. Dr. Chris T. Pernell, director of the NAACP's Center for Health Equity, points out that over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Yet, despite the knowledge and awareness, progress has been slow. The will to address this issue seems to be lacking, leaving a sense of hopelessness among those who understand the system's flaws.
As Nichole Wardlaw, Green Smith's aunt and fellow nurse midwife, poignantly states, 'We cannot continue to lose our women.' Her words echo the sentiment of a community that has endured too many losses. The call for change is clear, but the path to prevention remains uncertain. The controversy lies not only in the stark disparity of maternal mortality rates but also in the lack of action to address this pressing issue.
