“The family of Adriana Smith provides an update on her newborn son, Chance, after the woman was kept on life support due to Georgia’s ‘heartbeat bill’. The baby continues to fight for his life months after birth.”
The family of Adriana Smith, an Atlanta woman who was declared brain-dead while pregnant, has provided an update on her newborn son, Chance, months after her tragic death. Smith, a registered nurse, suffered a medical emergency in February 2025 that led to her being declared brain-dead by doctors at Emory University Hospital. At the time, she was around nine weeks pregnant.
Under Georgia’s “heartbeat bill,” signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in 2019, abortions are prohibited once fetal cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks gestation. This law led doctors to feel obligated to keep Smith on life support until her baby was delivered. Smith eventually gave birth to Chance on June 13, 2025, via emergency cesarean section, but tragically, her life support was switched off just four days later, on June 17.
Newborn’s Struggle and Progress
In a recent update, Adriana’s mother, April Newkirk, shared that Chance, who was born weighing just 1 lb. 13 oz., continues to fight for his life. Although he now weighs under 5 lbs, Newkirk expressed concerns over his breathing, which remains a critical issue. However, she remains hopeful, stating that Chance might be able to leave medical care by the end of September or early October.
“His weight is gradually picking up, but the breathing is what we’re concerned with,” Newkirk told PEOPLE magazine on August 27. “So, he’s making a little bit of progress, but still some things to do.”
Newkirk previously expressed that the family continues to rely on prayers for Chance’s health and recovery.
Adriana Smith’s Mother Shares Emotional Struggle
Newkirk has been vocal about the emotional toll of watching her daughter suffer. In an interview with 11Alive, she explained the pain of seeing her daughter on life support, saying, “Something’s been taken away from us, it’s hard. You know, I think about her every day, all the time.”
The mother also described the emotional anguish of seeing her daughter breathe through machines for over 90 days, a process she described as “torture.” Newkirk explained, “I see my daughter breathing, but she’s not there. And her son — I bring him to see her.”
Why Was Adriana Smith Kept Alive?
The decision to keep Adriana Smith on life support is tied to Georgia’s “Life Act,” passed following the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade. The law states that no abortion can be performed after six weeks of gestation unless the woman faces a medical emergency or her pregnancy is considered medically futile. Despite Smith’s medical emergency, doctors at Emory University Hospital believed that turning off her life support would violate the state law, leading to her being kept alive until her baby was born.
April Newkirk has expressed her frustration with the law, stating, “I want them to know that this didn’t have to happen. I want them to know that the law needs to be changed.” She further emphasized, “Women have rights; it’s their body.”
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Emory Healthcare’s Response
In response to the controversy, Emory Healthcare emphasized that medical decisions are made based on a variety of factors, including expert opinions, clinical guidance, and legal requirements. A spokesperson stated, “The top priorities at Emory Healthcare continue to be the safety and well-being of the patients and families we serve,” adding that confidentiality laws prevent them from commenting on individual cases.
A Tragic Reflection on Abortion Laws
The case has sparked ongoing debates about the ethical and legal implications of the “heartbeat bill” and the treatment of women in medical emergencies. As Adriana Smith’s family continues to grieve her loss, they remain focused on Chance’s health and future, hoping that the baby can grow stronger and survive against the odds.
