In September 2025, Melbourne wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke opted for a home birth without any medical assistance. Only her husband and a woman named Emily Lal were present during labour. Warnecke later died in hospital.
Who is Emily Lal and the Free Birth Society?
Lal, who calls herself a 'birth keeper', has no formal medical training. She completed an online course from the Free Birth Society, a multimillion-dollar business that trains unregulated birth support workers. The society promotes unassisted childbirth and has been linked to several deaths.
The inquest into freebirth dangers
Warnecke is one of a growing number of women choosing 'freebirths'—medically unassisted births—and relying on non-medical supporters. Coroner Therese McCarthy is investigating why these choices are becoming more common. The inquest is examining the Free Birth Society's role and the risks of unregulated birth practices.
Medical editor Melissa Davey and investigations correspondent Sirin Kale have reported on the inquest, highlighting the lack of oversight and the dangers of unassisted births. According to Davey, the Free Birth Society has built a lucrative business by promoting a distrust of medical professionals, leading to tragic outcomes.
