Funeral Conducted for Brain-Dead Woman Kept Alive Under Georgia’s Abortion Legislation

The funeral for Adriana Smith, a Georgia woman who was declared brain-dead but kept on life support due to the state’s abortion laws, was held on Saturday in Lithonia, a suburb of Atlanta. The service took place at Fairfield Baptist Church and was attended by many, including her fellow nurses and members of the local community. Adriana, who celebrated her 31st birthday in June, was diagnosed as brain-dead in February after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in her brain.

Her mother, April Newkirk, shared that Adriana had been nine weeks pregnant when her boyfriend rushed her to the hospital after finding her gasping for air. Due to Georgia’s strict abortion legislation known as the LIFE Act, which prohibits abortions after six weeks, Adriana was kept alive until her baby could be delivered safely. The baby, named Chance, was born prematurely on June 13, weighing only 1 pound and 13 ounces.

Following his birth, life support was removed from Adriana just days later. Currently, Chance remains in the neonatal intensive care unit but is reportedly doing well. “He’s expected to be OK,” Newkirk stated.

Adriana also had an older son named Chase. The funeral was a poignant gathering of family, friends, and community members who came together to celebrate Adriana’s life. Attendees paid tribute to her nursing career with a ceremony performed by the Atlanta Metropolitan Nursing Honor Guard, and many guests carried white roses in her memory.

Adriana’s younger sister, Naya, expressed her gratitude for her sister’s love and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of family in Adriana’s life. “I hope that I can follow in her footsteps,” she said.