In Georgia, a heartbreaking story has emerged that highlights the complicated and often painful consequences of strict abortion laws.
Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old woman, was declared brain dead nearly three months ago but is being kept alive by machines — all because of the state’s heartbeat bill that protects her unborn baby.
A Sudden Medical Emergency
Adriana’s troubles began in early February when she was rushed to the hospital suffering from severe headaches.
Doctors soon discovered multiple blood clots in her brain.
They performed surgery to try and ease the pressure, but unfortunately, the operation left Adriana brain dead.
Despite this devastating diagnosis, doctors are now maintaining her body with intensive care so her unborn child can survive.
At the time Adriana was hospitalized, she was almost nine weeks pregnant.
Georgia’s Strict Heartbeat Law in Action
This difficult situation comes amid Georgia’s 2019 Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act.
Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, the law prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Exceptions are only made for medical emergencies or cases of rape or incest.
A “medical emergency” under the law means a situation where an abortion is needed to save the mother’s life or prevent serious and irreversible physical harm.
Abortions are also allowed if doctors believe the baby would have fatal chromosomal anomalies.
Adriana’s case is particularly complex because terminating her pregnancy would not save her life — she’s already brain dead — yet her unborn baby has a detectable heartbeat.
Holding On for the Baby’s Survival
Adriana’s family says doctors are keeping her on life support until the baby can survive outside the womb, which would be around 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Her mother, April Newkirk, has shared the emotional toll this situation is taking on their family.
“She’s been on machines breathing for over 90 days. It’s torture for me,” April told local news.
“I see my daughter breathing but she’s not really there. And her son — I bring him to visit her.”
Missed Opportunities and What Could Have Been
April also revealed that Adriana initially went to Northside Hospital in Atlanta, but was sent home without a CT scan and only given medication.
She believes that if the hospital had properly investigated her symptoms, this tragedy might have been prevented.
After Adriana went home, her boyfriend called 911 when she struggled to breathe.
She was then transferred to Emory University Hospital, where she used to work as a nurse.
Recently, she was moved to a specialized center to receive obstetric care.
Family’s Struggle With Uncertain Future
The family has been explaining to Adriana’s young son that his mother is “just sleeping,” but April says the grief is overwhelming.
“She’s carrying my grandson. But he might be born blind, unable to walk, or might not survive,” April said. “This should have been our decision to make.
Now we’re left wondering what kind of life he’ll have, and we’ll be the ones raising him.”
On top of emotional pain, April is also worried about the mounting medical bills.
“Every day brings more costs, more trauma, and more questions,” she shared.
The Wider Debate Over Abortion Restrictions
Georgia’s heartbeat law caused major controversy when it was passed, with many pro-choice advocates warning about the medical risks it could cause.
Since the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, 41 states have introduced abortion restrictions, with 12 enforcing total bans.
Some ban abortions as early as 18 weeks, while others have various restrictions.
Last year, a ProPublica investigation revealed that abortion bans across the country have even contributed to women’s deaths.
One tragic example was Amber Thurman from Georgia, who died in 2022 after a miscarriage when she was denied medical care due to the state’s abortion restrictions, sparking public outrage.