Judge orders doula to cooperate in fatal freebirth investigation
A judge has urged Melbourne doula Emily Lal to participate and give evidence in an inquest into the death of Stacey Warnecke, a nutritional influencer who died following a freebirth at home in September 2025.
The Coroners Court heard on March 24 that Lal has not provided a statement or answered any questions throughout investigations into Warnecke’s death on the grounds of self-incrimination.
Counsel assisting coroner Therese McCarthy, Rachel Ellyard, said a recording of a triple-zero phone call had been obtained and that Lal can be heard on the call, which was made following Warnecke’s initial refusal to seek medical treatment.
McCarthy said that Lal’s contribution as a witness to Warnecke’s deterioration prior to her death is vital, given there were very few other witnesses that would be called to give evidence.
“I really hope Miss Lal agrees to participate in the inquest and give evidence,” McCarthy said.
The court heard that a certificate has been sought to protect Lal against criminal charges when providing evidence during the inquest.
The court heard that a certificate has been sought to protect Lal from criminal charges when providing evidence during the inquest.
A direct summons has been issued, urging Lal to give evidence under the protection of that certificate.
Ellyard told McCarthy they are reviewing any points at which Warnecke’s death could have been prevented and are still seeking expert opinions on the circumstances surrounding the nutritionist’s death.
Ellyard said the inquest will look into why Warnecke chose a homebirth as well as what advice she was given when choosing to freebirth and what information she received before birth.
She said the inquest will require assistance from the medical system to gain an understanding on how a midwife would have responded to the situation in a homebirth.
The court heard Warnecke was taken to hospital after birthing her son but tragically died due to a postpartum hemorrhage she experienced at home following the birth.
Warnecke had planned a ‘freebirth’, which typically involves birthing at home with no medical care or equipment, differing from a ‘homebirth’, which involves the presence of a midwife during the birth.
According to a 2024 ABC News report, ‘freebirthing’ in Australia is on the rise but knowing how many occur is difficult given a lack of public data available on planned freebirths in this country.
Warnecke’s family members who attended the court hearing online have so far assisted with the inquiry, including Warnecke’s husband, Nathan Warnecke.
Ellyard said it was "an opportunity for the family to make any comments or updates on the inquest”.
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