Press Release: 5/20/2025

Pressley, Degette, Reproductive Freedom Caucus Condemn GOP Abortion Bans, Call for Justice for Adriana Smith

 

30-Year-Old Pregnant Mother Declared Brain-Dead at 9 Weeks Pregnant Forced to Remain on Life Support Under Georgia’s Cruel Abortion Ban

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Co-Chairs of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, released the following statement on the tragic case of Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old Georgia mother who was declared brain dead in February and forcibly remains on life support due to the state’s abortion ban:

“Over the last three years, we have witnessed devastating stories across the country. We have heard the pain and seen the irreparable harm done to women and families by cruel abortion bans. There is no desensitizing to the horror of this moment.

Three months ago, Adriana Smith was a 30-year-old nurse and mom to a vibrant little boy. Like so many Black women, her pain was dismissed when she went to the hospital. She was sent home with the blood clots in her brain undetected until it was too late, leaving her brain dead. Despite her family’s wishes, she has been kept on life support for 90 days. Why? Because she was 9 weeks pregnant. 

Because of Georgia’s abortion ban, doctors are being forced to keep her breathing as an incubator while her family can only stand by. There are still 11 weeks before she reaches the point of “viability” that will free her and her family from this inhumane reality. Adriana’s mother spent Mother’s Day watching her daughter undergo unconscionable medical torture by orders of the state. Her young son spent Mother’s Day thinking his mom was just asleep and will soon wake up to hold him again. 

There are no words that can provide clarity or comfort. There is only the promise that we will say her name until her family sees peace and justice. Adriana, we fight for you.”