Birthkeeper who allegedly ‘groomed’ pregnant women to fear hospital could face criminal charges
A Victorian coroner is investigating the death of a woman who died after a home birth supported by a 'birthkeeper' who allegedly discouraged medical intervention. Prosecutors may now face charges regarding the influencer's role in grooming clients to avoid hospital care.
Why it matters
The case raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding the accountability of unregulated wellness influencers providing medical-adjacent advice.
Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke and her husband, Nathan Warnecke. Photograph: gofundme Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke and her husband, Nathan Warnecke. Photograph: gofundme Birth rights Australia news Birthkeeper who allegedly ‘groomed’ pregnant women to fear hospital could face criminal charges Victorian coroner hears Emily Lal told Stacey Warnecke that her ‘condition and mindset’ needed to be ‘solid’ to avoid a hospital birth
Prefer the Guardian on Google A birthkeeper who allegedly “groomed” pregnant women to fear hospital could be referred to prosecutors to face potential criminal charges, a Victorian coroner has heard.
Stacey Warnecke died in September 2025 at Frankston hospital in Melbourne after giving birth at home and suffering a postpartum haemorrhage with birthkeeper Emily Lal by her side, having paid her $6,000 to support her throughout pregnancy.
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