Dr. Janell Green Smith, 31, Dies From Childbirth Complications

Pregnancy is as beautiful a thing as it is a harrowing thing, especially if you’re a Black woman. Giving birth to a child is significantly safer than it was hundreds of years ago, but be clear, it can still be very dangerous for the mother, as there are a myriad of complications that can occur at any time before, during, and after a child is brought into the world, especially if you’re a Black woman. Sometimes, those complications are a result of dismissive, negligent, or racist medical staff, especially if you’re a Black woman.

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Dr. Janell Smith was a staunch proponent of Black maternal health and made it her life’s work to help our women be more educated and prepared for the journey of motherhood. On her final Instagram post from July that celebrates her one-year anniversary with her husband, there are hundreds of comments from grieving people whom Dr. Smith helped.

According to theGrio, Dr. Janell Green Smith, a devout Black midwife from South Carolina, died as a result of childbirth complications.

Take this comment from user @taylorleeczer:

I have no words for the loss of this woman. She delivered my baby and stayed with me for 40 hours and was my angel during the darkest hours. My favorite midwife And the most beautiful person inside and out.

Dr. Smith also lent her passion and expertise to a nonprofit organization, Hive Impact Fund, that also promotes and provides resources toward maternal healthcare.

Sadly, BOSSIP has reported on several instances where Black women’s maternal health was ignored or dismissed by those who are allegedly trained professionals. Most recently, we published the story of Mercedes Wells, a Black Indiana woman who was kicked out of the hospital during labor pains only to give birth to her child eight minutes later on the side of the road. To be frank, it’s a miracle that Wells and her child survived, as no medical practitioner was there as she and her husband did their best to navigate the harrowing ordeal.

Details about what exactly happened to Dr. Smith are unavailable at this time, but should the family choose to share, we will keep you updated. A GoFundMe has been launched.

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