Dr. Janell Ashlyn Green Smith, a dedicated certified nurse-midwife from Charleston, South Carolina, has died on January 3, 2026, following severe complications during the birth of her first child.
As a first-time mother, she experienced unforeseen medical issues moments after delivery that proved fatal, highlighting the very risks she had fought against throughout her career in maternal health. Her death has sparked renewed conversations about the vulnerabilities even experienced professionals face in childbirth, especially among Black women, a cause she passionately championed.
Dr. Smith devoted her professional life to advocating for equitable maternal care, particularly for marginalized communities where disparities in healthcare outcomes persist. She worked tirelessly at the Charleston Birth Place, blending clinical expertise with compassionate support to ensure patients from underserved backgrounds received dignified, evidence-based treatment during pregnancy and delivery.
Her efforts extended beyond the clinic, as she contributed to research and policy initiatives aimed at reducing racial inequities in maternal mortality, earning admiration from colleagues nationwide for her blend of empathy and scholarly rigor.
Educated at Frontier Nursing University, Dr. Smith earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree along with certifications as a nurse-midwife and advanced practice registered nurse, building a foundation that propelled her into roles focused on safe birthing practices.
Her career path reflected a commitment to hands-on care, including positions at facilities like Prisma Health in Greenville, where she specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, always prioritizing patient-centered approaches that empowered women through informed choices. This scholarly pursuit made her a mentor to emerging midwives, sharing insights that shaped the future of the field.
On a personal level, Dr. Smith was a woman of deep faith, often describing herself as a believer who drew strength from her Christian convictions amid life’s challenges. Born and raised in Charleston, she embraced a lifestyle marked by perseverance, maintaining loc’d hair as part of her cultural expression while pursuing photography as a cherished hobby through her venture @_jashlynnphotography. As a devoted wife, she navigated profound family losses, including the deaths of her father in 2020, brother in 2021, and mother in 2022, yet channeled her resilience into her work and personal growth.
Dr. Smith’s journey into midwifery stemmed from a profound awareness of how Black women are often overlooked in medical settings, motivating her to become a fierce advocate for better listening and culturally sensitive care in childbirth. Her own experiences with grief likely deepened her empathy, allowing her to connect authentically with patients facing similar hardships, while she balanced her demanding career with creative outlets that brought joy and balance to her life.
In tribute to a life well lived, Dr. Smith’s legacy endures through the countless lives she touched, from the families she helped welcome new beginnings to the systemic changes she pushed for in maternal health equity. The American College of Nurse-Midwives has expressed profound sorrow, recommitting to the causes she held dear, as her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for improved healthcare access. Her passing leaves a void, but her spirit of compassion and advocacy will continue to guide the midwifery community forward.