Adrian Smithdelivered her son, chance, prematurely via c section while she was in a coma as a result of blood clots. Smith was admitted to the hospital in June after complaining of a severe headache. When she didn't respond, doctors declared her brain dead and placed her on life support for nearly four months. BOSSIP previously reported on the controversial procedure that raised serious questions about bodily autonomy related to Georgia's abortion laws.
Baby Chance reportedly weighed just 1 pound and 13 ounces when he was born.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Chance's father, Adrian Harden, was granted custody of his son by Atlanta Judge Latisha Dear-Jackson in a ruling earlier this week. Despite a DNA test that certified his paternity, as an unmarried man, Harden had no legal rights to his son. Imagine grieving the death of your child's mother, then learning that you may not even be able to take the child home.
Said family lawyer Melaniece Davis:
“Mr. Hardin had no legal rights to his biological son Chance Hardin. He had no rights. Even in a tragic situation where the mother is over. So while he is worried about the uncertain future of his medically fragile baby, Mr. Hardin is faced with the fact that legally, he could possibly not be able to take his baby home,” she said.
After navigating the legal red tape, Hardin says he just wants to take care of his children and honor Smith's life.
“I just look at him, I see his mom. He's got a lot of life, lots and lots of spirit. So, I just keep that going,” Harden said.
He continued:
“I cherish every moment with my son, and I am so proud of my girl. My baby girl. I know them, I love to see him.”
11 life reports that a fundraising campaign managed by Chance's grandmother showed that although Chance is still in the NICU without a planned go-home date, his weight is up to 11 pounds and seems to be fine.
