Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old registered nurse from Georgia, has already exceeded 90 days on life support. Tragically, she has recently been declared braindead. As a result, Smith’s case has received considerable publicity. Questions abound. People are especially concerned with her extended hospital stay as well as the legal troubles associated with her diagnosis. She is being treated now at Emory Midtown Hospital. In the meantime, her family is left to deal with the broad emotional and financial trauma of losing her to such a fate.
In February, Adriana Smith started having severe migraines at almost nine weeks pregnant. When her health worsened, she experienced terrifying symptoms like gasping for breath and gurgling in her sleep. Worried for her health, her boyfriend immediately called 911 when her breathing deteriorated. Though initially treated at Emory University Hospital, she was eventually transferred to Emory Midtown for ongoing treatment.
Family Concerns and Legal Implications
Adriana’s mother, April Newkirk, has spoken out about the medical neglect her daughter experienced in the leadup to her hospitalization. She alleges that after being treated for disabling migraines, Smith was discharged with pain medication and no follow-up testing. Newkirk is, understandably, heartbroken at this failure to critically analyze. They fear that an early intervention might have made a difference.
“It’s torture for me. I come here and I see my daughter breathing … but she’s not there,” – April Newkirk
Though the legal landscape around Smith’s condition can be confusing, she is being artificially maintained on life support against her own wishes because she is pregnant, which Georgia state law allows. Consequently, Smith is projected to stay in this crucial state for at least until 32 weeks gestational age. The fetus has had indications of significant health problems, including known fluid on the brain. This extreme case places significant ethical burden on the decision of keeping Smith alive.
As Newkirk makes clear in her exasperation with this whole charade, individual choice should have little to no bearing when lives are at stake.
“I think every woman should have the right to make their own decision,” – April Newkirk
The Emotional Toll on the Family
The emotional toll on Smith’s family is clear as they walk through this challenging process. Newkirk notes that Adriana’s young son has been brought to see her at the hospital by Newkirk. Each visit is a painful reminder of their uncertain future and the challenges that await them. The family is still under the growing stress of new bills due to Adriana’s long hospital stay.
Adriana’s case powerfully brings to life the ongoing day-to-day battle that families must wage under such circumstances. It raises really profound questions about how laws are dictating medical care for pregnant people’s pregnancies and births.
“Now we’re left wondering what kind of life he’ll have – and we’re going to be the ones raising him,” – April Newkirk
Hospital’s Commitment to Patient Care
As the family continues dealing with these challenges, the healthcare provider Emory Healthcare has continued to reaffirm their commitment to patient care. Janet Christenbury, a representative for Emory Healthcare, said in an email,
“Our top priorities continue to be the safety and wellbeing of the patients we serve.”
The ongoing situation with Adriana Smith underscores the intersection of medical ethics, state laws, and family dynamics during a time of crisis. As she remains on life support, her family’s determination to advocate for her and her unborn child’s rights continues amid overwhelming uncertainty.
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