B.C. ‘childbirth activist’ charged with manslaughter in newborn’s death – CBC

Police say Gloria Lemay’s involvement in birth process led to child’s injuries, eventual death

Jan 07, 2025

A day after CBC revealed that a self-styled Vancouver Island “childbirth activist” was under police investigation, a manslaughter charge has been sworn against Gloria Lemay in relation to the death of a newborn last January.

The charge against the 77-year-old comes almost one year to the day after the alleged victim died on Jan. 6, 2024 — 10 days after a home birth over which Lemay is accused of presiding in contravention of a decades-old court order restraining her from acting as a midwife.

“Investigators believe Ms. Lemay’s involvement in the birth process led to the child’s injuries and eventual death,” Ladysmith RCMP said in a news release.

“A warrant was issued for Ms. Lemay on Jan. 7, 2025, and she was arrested later the same day. She has been charged with manslaughter.”

CBC reported on the existence of an RCMP investigation into the newborn’s death on Monday — citing documents filed by B.C.’s College of Nurses and Midwives last year in support of an order to search Lemay’s home.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/gloria-lemay-charged-manslaughter-1.7425173