Victorian Birthkeeper Emily Lal Could Face Criminal Charges Over Stacey Warnecke's Death

A Victorian coroner is considering referring birthkeeper Emily Lal for potential criminal charges after hearing she allegedly groomed pregnant women to fear hospital births. Stacey Warnecke died at Frankston Hospital in September 2025 following a home birth and postpartum haemorrhage, with Lal by her side after being paid $6,000 for pregnancy support. The coroner heard Lal told Warnecke her 'condition and mindset' needed to be 'solid' to avoid hospital. The case raises urgent questions about unregulated birth workers and maternal safety. If charges proceed, it could set a precedent for accountability in Australia's home birth sector.