Police probe sudden death of infant after home birth

Police will prepare a report for the coroner after the sudden death of an infant in Toowoomba.

Darling Downs police are looking into the sudden death of an infant at a North Toowoomba home.

It is understood the baby was reported deceased after a home birth on October 26.

“Police will prepare a report for the coroner,” a Queensland Police Service spokesman said.

“As the matter is before the coroner it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment.”

A Darling Downs Health spokesman said the department was aware of the incident.

“Darling Downs Health would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of this young baby and acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for them,” he said.

“We respect women’s rights including autonomy, dignity, feelings, choices and preferences.

“The care that Darling Downs Health provides to the community is patient-centred and focused on delivering positive outcomes.

“This commitment is reflected across the organisation and through the ‘Women at the centre of maternity care and birth’ pledge that was taken in 2022.

“The pledge ensures we support the psychosocial, emotional and physical health of women on their motherhood journey and that we will genuinely partner with the women in our care and support their right to choose.

“We also pledge freedom from harm and ill treatment, the right to equity in healthcare, informed consent, our Darling Downs Health values of compassion, integrity, dignity, innovation, and courage, as well as a right to confidentiality.”

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