Two women charged over baby boy’s death face renewed prohibition orders

Two Mid-North Coast women face ongoing restrictions as a court case against them continues into the circumstances surrounding an infant boy’s death near Coffs Harbour.

Two women charged with manslaughter have had health prohibition orders against them renewed.

Two Mid-North Coast women face ongoing restrictions as a court case against them continues into the circumstances surrounding an infant boy’s death near Coffs Harbour.

The interim prohibition orders issued separately for Penelope Burrows, 51, and Christina Meyer, 41, since March 21, 2023 have been renewed by the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) until July 10 2025.

Both women were charged with manslaughter after the death of a baby boy after a breech birth at a residence on September 11, 2022 at Karangi, west of Coffs Harbour.

Police will allege Meyer was an unregistered midwife at the time of the birth, while Burrows allegedly had no medical qualifications whatsoever.

Christina Meyer, charged with manslaughter, leaves Coffs Harbour court on May 13 2025.

Coffs Clarence Police detectives began an investigation after the baby tragically died in hospital, despite the best efforts of medical professionals.

Police will allege the pair attempted a breech home birth “without adequate training, knowledge, or equipment”.

"Birthkeeper" Penelope "Penny" Burrows, charged with manslaughter after the death of a baby boy in a home birth near Coffs Harbour in 2022. Picture: Supplied

In their most recent court appearance the pair sat in separate areas of the courtroom gallery as the matter was heard on May 13.

The prohibition orders were renewed on May 15 and prohibit the pair from working as doulas, midwives, birth keepers, childbirth educators, birth workers, birth support, unregistered midwives or lay midwives.

The case resumes in Coffs Harbour on June 20.

Got a news tip? Email: [e-mail]

Originally published as Two women charged over baby boy’s death face renewed prohibition orders