Maternal Health Advocate & Midwife Dr. Janell Green Smith Dead at 31

A life devoted to saving mothers was lost while becoming one herself. What happened next has ignited grief, outrage, and urgent questions across the maternal health community.

Dr. Janell Green Smith, a beloved midwife, maternal health advocate, and educator, has died at age 31 following childbirth, according to multiple reports and family statements.

Dr. Green Smith was widely respected for her work supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. She reportedly worked extensively in maternal and newborn health, advocating for safer, more equitable care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

What has made this tragedy even more painful for many is the cruel irony behind it. As one widely shared statement reads, "That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable."

Dr. Green Smith was not just a clinician , she was a voice. Through her work and online presence, she consistently highlighted the disparities Black women face in maternal healthcare, pushing for systemic reform and patient-centered care.

On Instagram, Dr. Green Smith shared insights into midwifery, advocacy, and real-life moments from her professional journey. Her page has since become a space of mourning, filled with heartfelt messages from followers who say she changed their lives.

Friends and colleagues have also taken to Facebook to express their grief. In a deeply emotional post, Olivia Smalls shared her devastation:

"This beautiful soul, delivered my baby and saved our lives. She made all the right decisions and made me feel safe during the most traumatic childbirth. Life is so unfair because she lost her life while giving birth to her first child."

As the news spread, many were quick to point out that Dr. Green Smith spent her career warning about the very dangers that ultimately claimed her life. Her passing has reignited conversations about maternal mortality in the U.S., especially among Black women, who face disproportionately higher risks.

A GoFundMe has been launched to support Dr. Green Smith’s family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The fundraiser describes her as a devoted mother, partner, and healer whose mission was always rooted in love and justice.

Supporters have rallied around the fundraiser, not only to help her family but also to honor the legacy she leaves behind. Many say contributing feels like one small way to continue the work she cared about so deeply.

While official details surrounding her death remain limited, the emotional response has been overwhelming. Grief has quickly turned into a call for action, with advocates urging healthcare institutions and policymakers to confront the systemic failures exposed by her passing.

Dr. Janell Green Smith’s story is not just a tragic headline — it is a mirror reflecting a broken system she spent her life trying to fix. And for many, the question now is painfully clear: how many more voices like hers will be lost before real change happens?