B.C. 'childbirth activist' under RCMP investigation over death of newborn following home birth
CBC
A B.C. woman who has been making headlines for decades as a self-styled "childbirth activist" is under police investigation over the death of an infant who passed away days after being rushed to hospital following a botched home birth on Vancouver Island.
According to B.C. Supreme Court documents obtained by CBC News, RCMP are investigating Gloria Lemay for allegations of criminal negligence causing the death of a child, who died Jan. 6, 2024 — 10 days after she was born unable to breathe.
In civil proceedings launched by B.C.'s College of Nurses and Midwives in the aftermath of the tragedy, the regulator claims Lemay has been involved "in some manner in multiple cases involving fetal or neonatal death" dating back to 1985, including a case that went all the way to Canada's top court.
"Her engagement in the practice of midwifery is not only unlawful, it is a societal menace," the college claims.
"This is underscored by the fact that she is presently the subject of a serious criminal investigation."
Lemay is not facing any criminal charges in relation to the January 2024 death, and RCMP would not comment on the status of their investigation.
Lemay's lawyer declined to comment while the case is before the courts.
Lemay is slated to be in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver Wednesday applying to stay civil proceedings brought by the the regulator; She claims a search of her home after the infant's death violated rights guaranteed by Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The college has had an injunction since 2000 preventing Lemay — who has never been registered as a midwife — from performing midwifery services. In 2002, she served two months in jail for criminal contempt of court after violating that order by taking part in 10 home births.
The college now says it intends to bring fresh contempt proceedings against Lemay for "her continued breaches of the injunction."
"Ms. Lemay points out that she could face a possible loss of liberty if she is found in contempt," the college claims in court filings.
"This is undeniable."
According to court documents, the infant was rushed from the home birth site to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, where she was put on a ventilator.
She was then transferred to Victoria General Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
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