The funeral for Adriana Smith was held Saturday in Lithonia, Georgia. Friends, family, and fellow nurses came together to honor the 31-year-old woman, whose life became part of a debate on medical care and abortion laws.
Smith was declared brain-dead in February after doctors found several blood clots in her brain. She was nine weeks pregnant when she suddenly experienced breathing trouble. Her boyfriend found her gasping for air one morning and rushed her to the hospital.
Doctors soon confirmed that her brain had stopped functioning. Despite this, she was kept alive using machines because she was pregnant. Georgia’s abortion law, known as the LIFE Act, bans most abortions after six weeks. Since Smith was nine weeks pregnant, doctors could not perform any action that would end the pregnancy.
Her family explained that the hospital had no choice but to keep her alive until her unborn child could live outside the womb. Smith’s baby boy, named Chance, was born prematurely on June 13. He weighed only 1 pound, 13 ounces at birth.
Days after his birth, doctors removed Smith from life support. Her son remains in a neonatal intensive care unit, where he continues to grow and fight. According to her mother, he is expected to be okay despite his early arrival.
The service to remember Smith’s life was held at Fairfield Baptist Church. It brought together people from all walks of life—nurses, neighbors, and loved ones who wanted to pay their respects. Many held white roses to honor her memory.
Smith worked as a nurse, and during the funeral, a special nursing tribute was performed. The Atlanta Metropolitan Nursing Honor Guard officially relieved her of her nursing duties, a ceremonial farewell given to healthcare professionals who pass away.
Her younger sister spoke during the service and described Smith as a loving and wise person who valued her family above all. She said she hopes to carry her sister’s values forward in her own life.
In addition to baby Chance, Smith also leaves behind an older son named Chase. Her family now faces the emotional and financial challenges of raising two children without their mother.
The story has sparked quiet conversations among community members. Many are reflecting on the effects of laws like the LIFE Act, which has changed how hospitals treat pregnant women in crisis. Georgia’s abortion law does not allow exceptions in cases like Smith’s unless the pregnancy is judged to be a threat to the mother’s life. But once brain death is declared, legal and ethical issues become more complex.
Smith’s case has raised hard questions about how far laws should reach in guiding medical decisions. Some have called for the law to be reviewed so that families and doctors can act with more flexibility during emergencies.
For now, Smith’s family is focused on healing and caring for Chance. Her mother, April Newkirk, said that although the past months have been heartbreaking, they are thankful for the time they had with Smith and hopeful about the baby’s recovery.
As they continue to care for Chance and Chase, the family is asking for support from the community. They hope people will remember Smith not only as a part of a legal issue but also as a mother, a nurse, and a loving sister and daughter.
