Family Questions Georgia Law as Pregnant Nurse on Life Support for 90 Days

ATLANTA — The family of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old nurse from metro Atlanta, is speaking out after she was declared brain dead over 90 days ago but remains on life support due to Georgia’s heartbeat law.

In early February, while approximately nine weeks pregnant, Smith began suffering from severe headaches. Her mother, April Newkirk, claims that treatment at Northside Hospital was inadequate, as no tests were performed. “If they had done that or kept her overnight, they would have caught it. It could have been prevented,” Newkirk said.

After a frightening episode where Smith gasped for air at home, her boyfriend called 911. She was rushed to Emory Decatur, later transferred to Emory University Hospital, where a CT scan revealed multiple blood clots in her brain. Newkirk says doctors had planned surgery, but it was too late; Smith was declared brain dead.

Now, she is being kept alive to ensure the viability of her unborn baby, currently 21 weeks along. Newkirk explained that under Georgia law, life support is maintained until the fetus reaches 32 weeks, creating a legal gray area for their family.

“She’s been breathing through machines for more than 90 days,” Newkirk expressed. “I see my daughter breathing, but she’s not there. And her son—I bring him to see her.”

The state’s heartbeat law bans abortion after a heartbeat is detected, usually around six weeks. However, according to Newkirk, the law created a situation where her family has no recourse in making medical decisions. “I think every woman should have the right to make their own decision,” she said.

The family is also concerned about the baby’s health, as doctors informed them the boy has fluid on the brain, raising concerns about his future. “This decision should’ve been left to us,” Newkirk added. “Now we’re left wondering what kind of life he’ll have—and we’re going to be the ones raising him.”

As hospital costs continue to rise, Newkirk stated that the emotional toll is immense. “They’re hoping to get the baby to at least 32 weeks,” she said. “But every day that goes by, it’s more cost, more trauma, more questions.”