A British Columbia woman, Gloria Lemay, aged 77, has been charged with manslaughter following the tragic death of a newborn during a home birth in Ladysmith, B.C. on December 27, 2023. This incident occurred at a private residence, where the baby was delivered but found unresponsive at birth. Despite emergency workers' life-saving efforts, the child tragically died nine days later, on January 6, 2024.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that Lemay was arrested after investigators linked her involvement in the birthing process to the injuries sustained by the newborn. As of Tuesday, the police indicated that Lemay remained in custody and was scheduled to appear in court the following day. It was stated in an RCMP news release that investigators believed her actions directly led to the baby’s death.
Gloria Lemay's history as a midwife is fraught with controversy. Over two decades ago, she was permanently banned from practicing midwifery in British Columbia due to serious malpractice issues. This permanent court order was granted on February 2, 2000, and it strictly prohibited her from offering midwifery services or using the title of midwife, or any other designation implying professional registration or affiliation with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Darrell Sandback emphasized the importance of having proper credentials for individuals providing childbirth services. He highlighted that the earlier injunction against Lemay stemmed from concerns about her unauthorized provision of midwifery services. Sandback's comments underlined the necessity of professional qualifications in preventing such tragic outcomes.
In January 2024, the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives publicly reiterated its position on Lemay's unauthorized practice, noting that they had obtained a search order from a B.C. Supreme Court judge to collect evidence against her. The college's advisory warned that Lemay was continuing to represent herself as a birth attendant and might be offering midwifery services without the required legal permission.
The advisory also pointed out that Lemay had never been registered with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives, clearly stating that she was not entitled to practice midwifery within the province. Lemay self-identifies on her website as a childbirth advocate focusing on holistic education for midwives, home births, and breastfeeding support.
In addition to the RCMP investigation, the case has involved cooperation with several agencies, including the provincial Ministry of Children and Family Development, the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives, and the coroner's service, indicating a broader concern regarding the practices surrounding childbirth and midwifery in the province.
This alarming case has raised serious questions about public safety, the enforcement of midwifery regulations, and the protection of vulnerable families within British Columbia's birthing landscape. The legal and ethical ramifications of Lemay's actions will likely resonate throughout the health care community, prompting discussions about regulatory reforms and the safeguarding of midwifery practices in the future.
