Advocate Dr. Janell Green Smith Passes After Childbirth
A Tragic Loss in the Fight for Black Maternal Health
The healthcare community is in deep mourning following the passing of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a midwife and passionate advocate for Black maternal health in South Carolina. Her life was cut short due to complications from childbirth shortly after 2026 began. Known as the “Loc’d Midwife,” Green Smith was a vital figure in the movement to improve maternal care for Black women, working with the nonprofit organization and app Hive Impact Fund. She played a key role during Black Maternal Health Week, offering support and resources to those in need.
Her husband, Daiquan, and their newborn are currently grieving this devastating loss. A GoFundMe campaign was launched with a goal of $80,000, aiming to provide stability, relief, and care for the family during this difficult time. The campaign expressed gratitude for every gesture, saying, “Every kind gesture, word, donation, and prayer is deeply felt and appreciated more than we can express.”
In an April 2024 Instagram post, Green Smith highlighted the importance of midwifery care, especially for Black women. She shared a sobering statistic: Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth compared to any other race. This revelation inspired her to become a part of the solution. “I wanted to be the provider that would listen to my patients when they were in pain,” she said. “I wanted to be the provider that would answer the questions and go above and beyond to allow my patients to feel comfortable in their journey of pregnancy and in labor.”
The conversation around Black maternal health and the role of midwives has been ongoing for decades. However, recent years have seen increased advocacy leading to a decline in maternal deaths. According to data from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, fatalities decreased from 817 in 2022 to 669 in 2023. Unfortunately, this progress was disrupted by the Trump administration, which cut research funding that could have helped maintain these improvements.
In March 2025, a $2.4 million grant for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was terminated. Officials claimed that priorities were being shifted, stating that the research would not significantly increase life expectancy. Epidemiologist Jaime Slaughter-Acey described the grant’s termination, which would have followed over 500 Black women in Detroit, as “heartbreaking and, honestly, infuriating given the high rates of maternal and infant mortality in this country.”
Dr. Green Smith’s work was widely recognized by industry leaders and organizations such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). The group praised her contributions and acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by Black women in maternal care. They noted that regardless of education, income, or professional background, Black women continue to face disproportionate risks due to systemic racism and failures in the healthcare system.
“We grieve Dr. Smith’s loss and recognize it as a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people,” the ACNM stated in an Instagram post. “In her honor, ACNM commits not only to reaffirming our values but to intensifying our actions to dismantle racial inequities in maternal health, strengthen accountability in care systems, and work alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.”
Ongoing Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the progress made in reducing maternal mortality rates, the fight for equitable care continues. Advocates like Dr. Green Smith have shown the importance of addressing the root causes of disparities in maternal health. Their work highlights the need for sustained investment in research, policy changes, and community-based solutions.
As the healthcare industry honors Dr. Green Smith’s legacy, there is a renewed commitment to ensuring that all mothers, regardless of race, receive the care and support they deserve. Her story serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address systemic issues and create a safer, more inclusive environment for all birthing individuals.
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