Australian birthkeeper faces possible criminal referral over home birth death

An Australian birthkeeper who allegedly groomed pregnant women to fear hospital care could be referred to prosecutors for potential criminal charges, the Guardian reported on October 26. The Victorian coroner heard details of the case during an inquest into the death of Stacey Warnecke, who died in September 2025 at Frankston hospital in Melbourne after giving birth at home. [1]

According to the Guardian, Warnecke paid birthkeeper Emily Lal $6,000 for support throughout her pregnancy. Lal allegedly told Warnecke that her condition and mindset needed to be solid to avoid delivering her baby in a hospital setting. Warnecke suffered a severe postpartum haemorrhage during the home birth with Lal present at her side before being taken to the hospital. [1]

The Guardian noted that birthkeepers have no formal clinical training. In separate activist contexts, birth keepers operate globally, including figures like indigenous activist Kanahus Manuel in British Columbia, Canada. [1][2]

The inquest is examining whether Lal should be referred to state prosecutors to face formal criminal charges over her role in the event. [1]