“This is sanctioned cruelty:” Georgia lawmakers demand repeal after Adriana Smith forced on life support due to abortion ban

ATLANTA – Today, State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) issued a condemnation of the state’s abortion law in response to the case of Adriana Smith – a young Black woman declared brain dead and being kept on life support because of her pregnancy:

“This is not healthcare. This is sanctioned cruelty,” said Rep. Schofield. “Adriana’s family is being forced to endure months of emotional torture. Our state has turned a woman into an incubator against her will and stripped her family of the right to say goodbye. This is barbaric, and it must end. Smith’s case has gained national attention as a grim example of how Georgia’s abortion ban is weaponized to override medical judgment, silence families and disproportionately harm Black women. Healthcare providers have cited fear of criminal penalties as a reason for inaction, despite clear signs that humane, patient-centered care is being blocked.”

“Whether you believe in abortion or not, critical healthcare decisions—including life-saving diagnoses and treatment—must be made between medical professionals, patients and their families,” said Rep. Davis. “Politics has no place in the exam room. It will never rise to the standard of care or the sacred oath taken by doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. Georgia’s law has not only undermined medical judgment—it has inflicted trauma on a grieving family. That must change.”

“Georgia’s law failed Adriana,” said Rep. Scott. “It failed her family. And it will continue to fail others unless we act now. This is not a debate about politics—it’s a matter of life, death and dignity.”

“This moment calls for immediate action,” Reps. Schofield, Davis and Scott stated jointly. “We stand united in saying that Adriana and her family deserve better. Georgia must do better.”

Reps. Schofield, Davis and Scott are calling for legislative action to repeal Georgia’s abortion law, restore medical freedom and prevent other families from experiencing the challenges faced by Adriana’s family.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.