In an Australian-first case, ex-midwife Lisa Jane Barrett has been charged with the manslaughter of two newborns who died in 2011 and 2012.
Barrett, a vocal advocate of homebirths with 20 years’ experience as a midwife, was charged with unlawfully killing the babies.
Court documents will allege she failed to supervise their dangerous deliveries outside of hospitals, the newborns suffering serious injuries as a result of birthing complications.
The charges are the result of a lengthy task force investigation into Barrett’s alleged role in causing the deaths of the two babies, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Barrett has yet to formally plead to the two counts of manslaughter and if convicted, she faces a maximum life sentence.
The case is set to be a landmark one which could change home-birthing policy.
Barrett is due in court in August.
More to follow.
