Baby Chance, now 11 pounds, was placed in the NICU after his birth in June, but the family says they still have no clear timeline on when he can come home.
ATLANTA — The baby of a woman who was declared brain dead but stayed on life support to deliver her child is still in the NICU, fighting to live nearly six months after his birth, according to the family.
The family said they still have no clear timeline on when he will be home, but they do know he is not coming home for the holidays.
The baby, named Chance, came into the world via C-section about six months after his mother was placed on life support. Adriana Smith went to the hospital in February 2025 after suffering from what she described as a severe headache. According to the family, Smith became unresponsive, and they later learned she suffered from blood clots.
Family, friends and loved ones are set to gather to remember Adriana Smith at Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia at noon.
Smith was declared brain dead on Feb. 19, when she was eight weeks pregnant. Smith’s mother, April Newkirk, said doctors told the family they were required to keep Smith on life support under the state’s abortion law, House Bill 481, also known as the LIFE Act. The law does not explicitly address situations involving brain death, but experts and some lawmakers said it has created confusion in medical settings.
Smith was laid to rest on June 28, two weeks after her son was born. Chance, who was born premature, was placed in the NICU, weighing only 1 pound and 13 ounces.
Newkirk has been posting updates on his growth on an online fundraiser page.
As of Oct. 24, in an online fundraiser post, Newkirk said he had grown to 8 pounds, but was still in the NICU because his lungs were underdeveloped.
In the latest update, she said he weighed 11 pounds. The family had hoped he would be able to spend the holidays at home after spending nearly six months in the hospital, but unfortunately, they received news that he would need to stay.
Newkirk posted about the news, saying she was “very down” after hearing that her grandson would need to stay in the NICU. She also said he is being moved to a different hospital.
“It’s holiday season, and I’m very down chance is 11 pounds still in the NICU and will not be coming home soon. He is going to be moved to a different hospital for more help with his health, and I want everyone to know that I’m very grateful for your prays and help, continue to pray because God has the final say so.”