Dr.Janelle Green Smith Obituary South Carolina, US,  Death

The tragic loss of Dr. Janelle Green Smith is both heartbreaking and deeply unsettling. Dr. Green Smith was not only a certified nurse-midwife but also a passionate advocate for Black maternal health, dedicated to ensuring that women, particularly Black women, were safe and supported during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives—childbirth. That she died after giving birth herself is a painful and stark reminder of the systemic inequities that still plague our healthcare system.

Black women, regardless of education, income, or professional status, continue to face disproportionately high risks during pregnancy and childbirth. This is not about individual choices or access to healthcare alone—it’s about a broken system that fails to protect Black mothers. In the United States, Black women are still 3-4 times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum compared to white women. This racial disparity has been ongoing, and it points to deep-rooted systemic issues in how Black women are treated within the healthcare system.

Even more disheartening is the recent decision to cut funding for research and programs aimed at addressing these disparities, which further underscores how little value is placed on the health and well-being of Black mothers.

Dr. Green Smith’s death is a stark and painful reminder that despite all the work she did to push for change, much more needs to be done. It is a call to action for all of us—especially those in healthcare—to recognize our biases and actively advocate for patients, especially those who are most vulnerable. If you work in healthcare and treat patients differently based on personal biases, it’s time to reflect and seek change. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to be aware of these disparities and to take action, ensuring that all patients receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.

Honoring Dr. Green Smith’s legacy means continuing her work—listening to Black women, believing their experiences, and demanding accountability within our healthcare systems. It’s about more than conversations; it’s about action—because action is what saves lives.

To Dr. Janelle Green Smith’s husband, baby girl, family, friends, and colleagues, we offer our deepest condolences. Your work, your dedication, and your impact do not end here. We will carry it forward.