05/14/2025
🩺 When Access Doesn’t Equal Equity: A Heartbreaking Reminder
Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old Atlanta nurse, daughter, and expectant mother.
Declared brain dead over 90 days ago, Adriana remains on life support due to Georgia's abortion laws, which mandate sustaining her body until her unborn child reaches viability.
Her family's anguish is palpable. They had no say. No choice.
Just the heavy burden of watching their loved one kept alive by machines, navigating a system that prioritized legislation over compassion.
As a nurse and lactation counselor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how systemic biases infiltrate our healthcare institutions.
It's a painful truth: being in a well-funded hospital or residing in an affluent area doesn't shield Black and Brown mothers from disparities.
Implicit biases, institutional racism, and restrictive laws often overshadow the quality of care.
Georgia's maternal mortality statistics are alarming.
Black women here are 3.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women . These aren't just numbers.
They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.
Adriana's story isn't an isolated incident. It's a stark reminder of the urgent need for patient advocacy, systemic reform, and unwavering support for Black maternal health.
🗣️ Let's Talk:
• Have you or someone you know faced challenges in maternal healthcare?
• How can we, as a community, advocate for equitable care for all mothers?
Please share your thoughts, experiences, or resources in the comments.
Let's amplify these stories and push for the change our healthcare system desperately needs.
Adriana Smith's been on life support 90+ days with weeks to go in her pregnancy. Her family questions Georgia’s heartbeat law — and why they had no say in her care.
