Rhiannon Ingle
The family of a woman who was declared brain dead and forcibly kept alive before doctors delivered her baby via C-section have issued a heartbreaking update on the newborn.
Back in June, 31-year-old mum and nurse Adriana Smith, who hailed from Atlanta, Georgia, had her son, named Chance, delivered by doctors prematurely. He was then kept in the neonatal intensive care unit after weighing just 1lb 13oz (0.8kg).
Smith was pronounced brain-dead in May, and after her baby was delivered, she was taken off life support in June, and her funeral was held later that month.
She first started experiencing headaches earlier this year, in February, a time at which she was already nine weeks pregnant. She then sought medical advice due to her symptoms and was reportedly sent away with medication.
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However, just the following morning, Smith's boyfriend reported hearing her making gurgling noises and gasping for air, prompting him to rush her to hospital, where a CT scan revealed she had multiple blood clots in her brain.
In a tragic turn of events, it was unfortunately too late to save Adriana's life, and doctors at the hospital declared her brain dead.
She was kept alive on a ventilator, meaning she wasn't able to pass away peacefully.
And why?
Well, Georgia's extremely controversial law dubbed the 'heartbeat law' prohibits the termination of any pregnancy after six weeks of gestation following the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade.
The legislation in question declares that no abortion can be carried out if there is a 'detectable human heartbeat' except in the event of a 'medical emergency or medically futile pregnancy'.
Termination of the pregnancy can only be performed 'to save the pregnant person's life', to 'preserve' the woman's 'physical health' and 'if the foetus is not expected to survive the pregnancy'.
Smith's case has also since revived interest in, and concern over, something known as the 'fetal personhood' laws - statutes or constitutional amendments that define a foetus, at times from the moment of conception, as a legal person with rights equal to or similar to those of a born human being.
Since her passing, Smith's mother, April Newkirk, has launched a fundraiser, titled 'Help Adriana's Family During This Heartbreaking Journey', which has since raised $546,085 of the $600K.
The latest update in the case, which Newkirk shared last month (24 November), saw the grieving mother share how little Chance was faring.
She wrote: "It's holiday season and I'm very down.
"Chance is 11 pounds still in the NIC unit and will not be coming home soon. He going to be moved to a different hospital for more help with his health and I want everyone to know that I'm very grateful for your prays and help. Continue to pray because God has the final say so."
A previous update dated 14th October showed a number of photos of Chance along with the message: "Chance is now 8 pounds. He is growing very well. Chances lungs are underdeveloped, so he will stay in the NICU unit until his breathing gets better.
"Chase saw his little brother by video. This was a touching moment thank you all for your prayers and support. Keep praying."
The bio of the GoFundMe adds: "Adriana has a 7-year-old son and family behind left who’s broken and we’re asking for prayers and support during this time. Anything helps!"
You can donate to the fundraiser here.