Two women have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a newborn during a home birth in Karangi, near Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.
Emergency services responded to a call on September 11, 2022, after reports that a newborn boy was unresponsive following a home birth. Paramedics treated the infant at the scene before airlifting him to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives arrested Christina Meyer, 41, at Crescent Head, and Penelope Susan Burrows, 51, at Dorrigo, in February this year.
Stay up to date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
Authorities allege that Meyer was acting as an unregistered midwife during the birth, while Burrows, lacking any medical qualifications, had been practicing unregistered home-birth midwifery.
Both women appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court yesterday, where they were granted bail.
The court has scheduled their next appearance for May 13, 2025.
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding unregistered midwifery practices and the potential risks associated with home births attended by individuals lacking formal medical qualifications.