Birthkeeper who allegedly ‘groomed’ pregnant women to fear hospital could face criminal charges
Summary
A Victorian coroner’s inquest heard that birthkeeper Emily Lal could be referred to prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges after phone evidence raised questions about her role in Stacey Warnecke’s home birth. Counsel assisting the coroner said messages and a recorded call suggested Lal advised Warnecke and encouraged her to avoid hospitals, contrary to Lal’s account that she acted mainly as a supportive friend.Key Facts
- Stacey Warnecke died in September 2025 at a Melbourne hospital after giving birth at home and suffering a postpartum haemorrhage.
- Warnecke had paid Lal $6,000 for support during her pregnancy.
- Lal had no clinical training and previously told the inquest she was not responsible for making the birth safer or calling an ambulance unless asked.
- A forensic analysis of Warnecke’s phone revealed messages and a recorded call between her and Lal.
- In the call, Warnecke said she was afraid of hospitals, and Lal replied that she should be scared of them.
- Counsel assisting the coroner said the phone evidence appeared inconsistent with Lal’s claim that she mainly served as a supportive friend.
- The inquest heard that Lal may be referred to prosecutors to consider potential criminal charges.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
