Pregnant Woman Declared Brain Dead and Kept on Life Support to Carry Baby, Amid Georgia’s Abortion Laws

A heartbreaking medical and legal case is unfolding in Atlanta, Georgia, involving a 30-year-old patient, Adrianna Smith, who was declared brain dead earlier this year but remains on life support due to her pregnancy.

According to reports, Adrianna — who was a nurse at Emory University Hospital — sought medical attention in February 2025 after experiencing severe headaches. Despite her symptoms, doctors reportedly sent her home with prescribed medication without conducting a CT scan.

The following morning, Adrianna’s condition deteriorated dramatically — she struggled to breathe and made gurgling sounds. She was rushed back to the hospital, where doctors discovered a blood clot in her brain. After an unsuccessful surgery, she was declared brain dead.

The tragedy deepened when it was revealed that Adrianna was also pregnant at the time of her brain death. Hospital officials informed the family that, although she was legally deceased, Georgia state laws prohibit abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected — typically around six weeks. As a result, Emory University Hospital has refused to remove her from life support, citing legal obligations to protect the fetus.

Adrianna’s body is now being kept alive with the use of breathing and feeding tubes, as specialists monitor the development of the fetus. The delivery via C-section is reportedly scheduled for early August 2025, assuming the unborn child reaches sufficient development.

Speaking to the 11 Alive, Adriana mother, April Newkirk said: “‘This is torture for me.

“I see my daughter breathing by the ventilator but she’s not there.

April also shared that her unborn baby, whom she has named “Chance,” has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus — a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure. She explained that this means he could be born with serious disabilities.

“He may be blind, may not be able to walk, may not survive once he’s born” She added

“Right now, the journey is for baby Chance to survive. Whatever condition God allows him to come here in, we’re going to love him just the same.”