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Tragic Loss: Midwife Advocated for Maternal Health Dies After Childbirth

1/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old midwife from Charleston, South Carolina, died from childbirth complications on January 1, 2026.
She advocated for maternal health, especially for Black women, and the National Black Nurses Association mourns her loss.
She developed pre-eclampsia and underwent a cesarean section on December 26, 2025, delivering her daughter Eden eight weeks early.
Despite initial recovery, her incision ruptured, leading to emergency surgery.

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Story summary

Dr. Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old midwife from Charleston, South Carolina, died from childbirth complications on January 1, 2026.
She advocated for maternal health, especially for Black women, and the National Black Nurses Association mourns her loss.
She developed pre-eclampsia and underwent a cesarean section on December 26, 2025, delivering her daughter Eden eight weeks early.
Despite initial recovery, her incision ruptured, leading to emergency surgery.