The midwifery community and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) are mourning the devastating and tragic death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, CNM, who passed away from complications during childbirth. Dr. Smith was a highly respected midwife, educator, and advocate whose life and career embodied the principles of evidence-based, compassionate, and equitable care.
Her unwavering dedication to maternal health, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities, made her a guiding light in the field of midwifery and an inspiration to countless healthcare professionals.
Throughout her career, Dr. Smith worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for birthing people, especially those who have historically faced disparities in care. She championed respectful, patient-centered practices and served as both a mentor and role model to aspiring midwives.
Her scholarship, clinical expertise, and advocacy reflected a profound commitment not only to her patients but also to the broader mission of transforming maternal healthcare in the United States. Her passing is a devastating loss for her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives she touched through her work.
Dr. Smith’s death is both a deeply personal tragedy and a stark reminder of systemic failures in maternal health. That a Black midwife and maternal health expert could lose her life giving birth in the United States underscores the persistent inequities that Black women continue to face.
Decades of research show that Black women—regardless of education, socioeconomic status, or professional expertise—experience disproportionately higher rates of complications and maternal mortality due to systemic racism and inequities in care. Dr. Smith’s passing tragically highlights the urgent need for action to ensure safe, respectful, and equitable care for all mothers.
In her honor, ACNM is reaffirming its commitment to confronting racial disparities in maternal health and strengthening accountability across healthcare systems.
The organization pledges to work closely with Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to implement practical solutions, prevent future tragedies, and ensure that Dr. Smith’s vision for equitable care continues to guide the field. Her life and work serve as a clarion call to action, inspiring midwives, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to prioritize equity, justice, and safety in maternal care.
To Dr. Smith’s family, loved ones, and colleagues, ACNM extends its deepest condolences. Her dedication, scholarship, and advocacy leave a lasting legacy that will continue to shape midwifery, maternal health practices, and the broader fight for racial justice in healthcare.
