I’m the founder of Joydrop Baby and Wellness, We did not know each other personally, but we were fighting for the same cause.
Like so many advocates, clinicians, and community leaders committed to Black maternal health, I felt profound grief learning of the death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a young Black woman who died while giving birth. Her name has now joined far too many others Black mothers whose lives were lost during what should have been a moment of joy, celebration, and new beginnings.
This loss is heartbreaking.
And it is unacceptable.
Black women continue to die during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period at rates far higher than any other group not because of biology, but because of systemic failures, bias, dismissal, and delayed care. Education, income, professional status, and even being a physician do not protect Black women from a healthcare system that too often does not listen.
Dr. Smith’s death is not an isolated incident.
It is part of a pattern we have been sounding the alarm on for decades.
Grief Must Turn Into Action
As we enter 2026, my commitment and my hope is that we do more than mourn. We must act with urgency and intention.
At Joydrop Baby and Wellness, we believe maternal health begins long before pregnancy and continues long after delivery. Too many lives are lost because warning signs are ignored, postpartum care is inadequate, and women are sent home without the support they need to survive.
We must:
- Believe Black women the first time they speak up
- Address pregnancy risk earlier and more comprehensively
- Treat postpartum care as life-saving care
- Ensure respectful, culturally responsive maternity services
- Provide navigation, education, and advocacy at every stage
Maternal deaths often occur after birth, when support disappears and symptoms are minimized. That reality must change.
Fighting in Her Honor
I will continue this work in honor of Dr. Janell Green Smith and the countless Black women whose names never reached the news. Advocacy must move beyond awareness and into accountability and prevention.
Black women deserve to survive pregnancy.
Black babies deserve to grow up with their mothers.
Families deserve joy not grief.
Dr. Smith’s life mattered.
Her death must not be in vain.
Joydrop Wellness Call-to-Action
At Joydrop Baby and Wellness, we support women before, during, and after pregnancy through:
- Preventive care navigation
- Maternal health advocacy
- Postpartum education and support
- Risk reduction strategies for better outcomes
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or planning to become pregnant or if you support women who are now is the time to be proactive.
👉 Learn more about our maternal health advocacy services
👉 Get support navigating preventive and postpartum care
👉 Stand with us in fighting for Black maternal health equity
Together, we can make sure stories like this stop happening.
If you would like more information about what we do visit our website.
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