Nigerian-born midwife and social media influencer who advocates for unassisted home births has been charged with manslaughter in Australia.
She was charged following the death of a baby she helped deliver during a home birth in New South Wales.
Oyebola Coxon, 36, promotes natural childbirth and discourages medical intervention under the online persona Mamma Informata
Coxon was arrested in Wallsend on Aug. 14 after a months-long police investigation.
Authorities allege Coxon ignored clear signs of complications during a birth she attended in October last year.
According to reports, the mother had requested to be taken to hospital, but Coxon advised against it and left her in labour for two days at home.
The woman was eventually taken to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where her baby boy was delivered via emergency cesarean section.
Police say both mother and child suffered serious medical complications and the baby died eight days later.
Coxon, who has gained a following online for her anti-medical stance on childbirth, has previously shared content claiming gestational diabetes “does not exist”.
She discourages the use of blood tests and ultrasounds.
She has also sold online courses for expectant mothers focusing on home birthing and breastfeeding.
Following her arrest, Coxon was charged with manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.
She appeared in court and was granted bail under strict conditions, including a ban on practising, advising or educating anyone in relation to pregnancy or childbirth.
The case is scheduled to be heard at Newcastle Crown Court, with the trial set to begin on Oct. 15.
