01/05/2026
Our hearts are heavy following the death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, CNM, who died from complications of childbirth over the weekend. Dr. Smith was a deeply respected midwife, scholar, and advocate who dedicated her life to evidence-based, equitable, and compassionate care.
The loss of a Black midwife and maternal health expert to pregnancy-related complications in the United States is devastating—and a stark reminder of how our healthcare system continues to fail Black women. Study after study confirms that Black women face significantly higher risks during pregnancy and birth, regardless of their education, income, or expertise. This is the result of systemic racism embedded in our healthcare infrastructure.
As a midwifery-led maternity care practice, we feel this loss profoundly. It hits especially close to home for our Black midwives and resonates deeply across our entire organization. Dr. Smith’s death represents a systemic failure to protect the people our healthcare system should serve.
We will continue working alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to demand better, to hold systems accountable, and to create the change that should have protected Dr. Smith.
We’ve shared a GoFundMe link in our stories to support Dr. Smith’s husband, Daiquan, and their newborn baby during this unimaginable time.
