Women charged with manslaughter years after baby boy died during home birth in NSW

Women allegedly practising unregistered midwifery have been charged with manslaughter after a baby died following a home birth on NSW’s Mid North Coast more than two years ago.

Emergency services were called to a Karangi home in Coffs Harbour on September 11, 2022, after a baby was unresponsive following a home birth.

The newborn boy was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before he was flown to Coffs Base Hospital.

The boy later died at the hospital.

More than two years later, a 41-year-old woman was arrested at Crescent Head, as well as a 51-year-old woman at Dorrigo.

Police will allege the 41-year-old woman was an unregistered midwife at the time of the home birth, while the older woman had no medical qualifications despite having been practising unregistered homebirth midwifery.

Both women were charged with manslaughter and granted bail to front Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday, however the matter was adjourned until May 13.