Doula Emily Lal refuses to give statement to coronial inquest into influencer Stacey Warnecke's death
A coroner has compelled a doula to give evidence into the death of an influencer who was rushed to hospital after giving birth to her son at home.
An unregulated doula who supported a wellness influencer during a fatal home birth has refused to provide a statement to a coroner.
Doula Emily Lal was present when Stacey Warnecke, 30, gave birth to her son at a Melbourne home on September 29.
The little boy was healthy but Ms Warnecke’s condition rapidly declined and an ambulance was called about 4.30am.
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Ms Warnecke’s death was reported to police and her husband Nathan - who was also present at the birth - provided a statement to detectives but Ms Lal refused.
The doula has also refused to provide a statement to the Victorian coroner investigating Ms Warnecke’s death, counsel assisting Rachel Ellyard told the court on Tuesday.
She was objecting on the grounds she could incriminate herself, Ms Ellyard said.
Coroner Therese McCarthy ordered a direct witness summons be served on Ms Lal, where she would be advised she could give evidence at inquest under a certificate.
The certificate would protect Ms Lal from facing criminal prosecution as a result of her evidence.
“I’m of the view Ms Lal’s evidence is a crucial part of the picture leading up to the death of Ms Warnecke,” Ms McCarthy said.
“I really hope Ms Lal agrees to participate in this process ... because I think she can make a significant contribution.”
If Ms Lal continues to object, she will be compelled to give evidence and she will have to make submissions as to why she should be excused.
That process will take place in May ahead of the inquest starting on June 15, Ms Ellyard said.
The scope of the inquest was also outlined during Tuesday’s hearing, with the coroner set to investigate the circumstances of Ms Warnecke’s death and whether she would have survived with earlier medical intervention.
The coroner will also consider the risks of home births, whether Ms Warnecke was aware of any risks, why she chose to proceed with a home birth, and any prevention measures going forward.
The coroner had already received statements from the medical examiner, various clinicians involved in Ms Warnecke’s care and the influencer’s family, Ms Ellyard said.
There were still outstanding statements from the Healthcare Complaints Commission and an expert midwife and obstetrician, the counsel assisting said.
The case was adjourned to the inquest in June.
