
Funeral Held for Adriana Smith, Brain-Dead Woman Kept Alive Due to Georgia's Abortion Ban
Kept Adriana alive
Sparks change, debate now
LITHONIA, Georgia - Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old Atlanta nurse who was kept on life support for months due to Georgia's strict abortion law, was laid to rest on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia [1][2][3].
Smith was declared brain-dead in February after suffering a catastrophic stroke while eight weeks pregnant. Due to Georgia's LIFE Act, which makes abortion illegal after six weeks of pregnancy, she was kept on life support until her son, Chance, could be delivered [2][4].
On June 13, Chance was born prematurely via emergency C-section, weighing 1 pound and 13 ounces. Smith was subsequently removed from life support on June 17 [1][3].
The funeral service, which was live-streamed on Facebook, drew a crowd that included Smith's fellow nurses, family members, and community supporters [1][4]. Smith's younger sister, Naya, shared a heartfelt tribute during the service: "I'm thankful for everything that she's taught me. Her love, her kindness, her wisdom. Family meant everything to her. So I hope that I can follow in her footsteps." [3]
Smith's case has become a focal point for discussions on the impact of state-level abortion bans in medical emergencies and the concept of fetal personhood [2]. The situation has sparked debate about the implications of Georgia's abortion law on medical decision-making and patient autonomy.
In response to Smith's case, advocates and family members, including Democratic State Rep. Park Cannon, are pushing for 'Adriana's Law.' This proposed legislation aims to ensure individuals retain agency over their medical decisions, even while pregnant [2].
As the community mourns the loss of Adriana Smith, her story continues to raise questions about the balance between fetal rights and maternal autonomy in the context of strict abortion laws. The ongoing care for her son Chance, who remains in the NICU, serves as a poignant reminder of the complex ethical and medical issues surrounding this case [3].
The funeral of Adriana Smith not only marks the end of a tragic personal story but also highlights the broader societal implications of Georgia's abortion ban. As discussions continue, policymakers and healthcare providers face the challenge of navigating the intricate intersection of law, medicine, and ethics in similar cases.