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Coroner Warns More Women May Die Without Home Birth Guidance

Q: What did the inquest find about the deaths of Jennifer Cahill and Agnes Lily?

An inquest into the deaths found that they were contributed to by neglect, with "gross failings" identified in the antenatal care provided and the actions of the midwives involved.

Q: What did the coroner say about the lack of national guidance on home births?

Joanne Kearsley, the senior coroner for Manchester North, stated that there is currently no national guidance in place regarding home births or the staffing, training, and experience required for midwives providing this type of care.

10 Nov

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Summary

Coroner warns of home birth risks after mother and newborn die
Inquest finds "gross failings" in antenatal care and midwife actions
No national guidance on home births or midwife training and experience

Coroner Warns More Women May Die Without Home Birth Guidance

In a concerning development, a coroner has issued a stark warning that more women could lose their lives unless urgent action is taken to establish national guidance on home births. This warning comes in the wake of a tragic incident that occurred just last month, on June 3, 2024.

Jennifer Cahill, a 34-year-old woman, tragically passed away at North Manchester General Hospital shortly after giving birth to her second child, Agnes Lily, at her home in Prestwich. Tragically, Agnes Lily also succumbed to her injuries a few days later at the same hospital.

An inquest into the deaths has found that they were contributed to by neglect, with "gross failings" identified in the antenatal care provided and the actions of the midwives involved. Joanne Kearsley, the senior coroner for Manchester North, has stated that there is currently no national guidance in place regarding home births or the staffing, training, and experience required for midwives providing this type of care.