Hospital keeps brain-dead woman alive to save unborn baby, citing Georgia law
Summary
A hospital in Georgia kept a brain-dead pregnant woman, Adriana Smith, on life support to preserve the life of her unborn baby, citing the state’s LIFE Act, which restricts abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Smith was declared brain dead after suffering brain clots while nine weeks pregnant. The hospital maintained life support for over 90 days until the baby was delivered prematurely via emergency C-section. The woman was then removed from life support.
Relevance
This case highlights the legal and ethical challenges Catholic healthcare institutions face in secular societies, particularly balancing state abortion laws with religious and medical ethics in caring for pregnant patients. It exemplifies tensions between faith-based values and secular legal frameworks in healthcare decisions.