Adriana’s young son doesn’t understand the situation. “It’s been heartbreaking seeing her grandson believe his mother is ‘just sleeping,’” Newkirk added.
When the Law Overrides the Family
Georgia law makes few exceptions to its abortion ban — only for medical emergencies or when the fetus is deemed nonviable. But because Adriana is already deceased neurologically, doctors say she no longer qualifies as being in danger.
This places her family in a devastating legal gray zone: her body is being used to carry a pregnancy she cannot choose.
Under legal obligations that strip the family of any formal say — raising difficult questions about bodily autonomy, informed consent, and patient rights under life support.
Doctors reportedly told the family they’re legally obligated to keep Adriana alive until her fetus — now at 21 weeks — reaches viability. The goal is 32 weeks, at which point they plan to induce labor.
“They’re hoping to get the baby to at least 32 weeks,” April said. “But every day that goes by, it’s more cost, more trauma, more questions.”
