Woman Died After Birthkeeper's 'Scary Hospital' Advice

An inquest in Victoria is examining the death of Stacey Warnecke, who passed away in September 2025 following complications from a home birth. Warnecke had paid birthkeeper Emily Lal $6,000 for support during her pregnancy. Evidence presented to the coroner suggests Lal, who lacks clinical training, actively discouraged pregnant women from seeking hospital care.

Phone messages and a recorded call revealed Lal telling Warnecke that hospitals are 'terrifying places' and that a strong mindset was key to successfully birthing at home. Lal also suggested hospital midwives could sabotage births. This testimony contradicts Lal's earlier statements, leading to allegations of perjury.

Warnecke suffered a severe postpartum hemorrhage after delivering her placenta and subsequently struggled to breathe. Lal reportedly asked Warnecke three times if she wanted an ambulance called. Warnecke agreed on the third request, but paramedics arrived when she was critically ill. She died in hospital hours later from related complications.

Coroner Therese McCarthy heard that Warnecke likely would have survived had she been in a hospital or given birth at home with a registered midwife. The inquest may result in Lal being referred to the Office of Public Prosecutions.