Doula's Stance: Mother's Autonomy Over Ambulance Call

An inquest is examining the death of 30-year-old nutritionist Stacey Warnecke, who died following a free home birth in Melbourne's southeast in September. The doula attending the birth, Emily Lal, stated it was not her legal obligation to call an ambulance for Warnecke, who was experiencing severe bleeding and respiratory distress. Lal, who has no clinical qualifications, testified that she repeatedly asked Warnecke if she wanted an ambulance, respecting her autonomy even as her condition worsened.

Lal described her role as a supportive friend rather than a professional, asserting that she did not consider it her responsibility to ensure the safety of the birth or assess blood loss. Warnecke, a wellness influencer, had chosen a free birth, fearing hospital interventions and promoting a chemical-free lifestyle. She had refused antenatal screening, including ultrasounds.

The court heard that Lal has since been banned from working as a doula and had previously refused to attend hospital births or those with midwives present. Warnecke was eventually taken to Frankston Hospital in a critical condition hours after giving birth, but unfortunately succumbed to her condition. The medical examiner proposed postpartum hemorrhage as the cause of death.