Abyssinia Birth Services

The American College of Nurse-Midwives mourns the devastating death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, CNM, who died from complications of childbirth. Dr. Smith was a respected midwife, scholar, and advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to respectful, evidence-based, and equitable care.

That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Her death underscores the persistent and well-documented reality that Black women—regardless of education, income, or professional expertise—face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and childbirth due to systemic racism and failures in care.

We grieve Dr. Smith’s loss and recognize it as a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people. In her honor, ACNM commits not only to reaffirming our values, but to intensifying our actions to dismantle racial inequities in maternal health, strengthen accountability in care systems, and work alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith’s family, loved ones, and the midwifery community. We carry her legacy forward with urgency, humility, and resolve.

The Commonsense Childbirth Safety Net Fund: Circle of Support is now live.

Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable future for mothers, babies, and families. Through The JJ Way®, we have shown that when care is rooted in dignity, compassion, and access, the results speak for themselves: healthier moms, stronger babies, and thriving communities.

Now, with your support, we are expanding the circle. Every donation helps sustain this life-saving work and ensures that no one is left behind.

Join us today and be part of the movement for birth equity.
Donate here: https://givebutter.com/circle-of-support

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To be clear, SMFM stands behind our recommendation that acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not been shown to cause or increase the risk of autism or other neurobehavioral problems in children.



Read the full statement: https://www.smfm.org/news/smfm-response-to-administration-announcement-on-acetaminophen-use-during-pregnancy-and-autism