Birthkeeper Denies Responsibility in Freebirth Death Case
Emily Lal, a birthkeeper hired by Stacey Warnecke, testified in court that her role was not to make childbirth safer. Warnecke, 30, died on September 29 at Frankston Hospital after a home birth attended by her husband and Lal. She had chosen a freebirth, avoiding medical professionals for most of her pregnancy. Lal stated Warnecke had already decided on freebirth before hiring her. The case raises questions about the responsibilities of birthkeepers in unassisted births.
Key facts
- Emily Lal testified she was not there to make childbirth safer.
- Stacey Warnecke died on September 29 at Frankston Hospital.
- Warnecke had a home birth with her husband and Lal present.
- Warnecke chose a freebirth, avoiding medical professionals.
- Lal was hired as a birthkeeper after Warnecke decided on freebirth.
- The case is under investigation by a coroner.
- Warnecke was 30 years old.
- The birth cost $6,000 for Lal's services.
Entities
Institutions
- Frankston Hospital
Locations
- Frankston
- Australia