An Australian-based Nigerian midwife and social media influencer, Oyebola Coxon, has been charged with manslaughter after the death of a newborn boy following a prolonged labour during a home birth she supervised.
Coxon, 36, who garnered a substantial online following promoting natural births and alternative maternity care, allegedly failed to seek medical assistance while attending a woman in labour for over two days.
Despite visible signs of complications and repeated pleas for hospital transfer, she did not call for emergency aid until the situation became critical.
The mother was eventually transported to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where she underwent an emergency caesarean section on October 2, 2024. While the baby boy was delivered alive, he tragically passed away eight days later.
Authorities allege that Coxon, who is the founder of the controversial online platform Mamma Informata, built her brand by rejecting widely accepted medical practices such as ultrasounds and blood tests.
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She is also reported to have dismissed gestational diabetes as a fabricated condition and openly encouraged high-risk home births, including breech and twin deliveries, while discouraging followers from adhering to doctors’ advice.
The case has ignited significant public debate in both Australia and Italy, where Coxon also maintained a presence, over the dangers posed by unregulated health advice circulated on social media platforms.
Coxon appeared in court last Thursday and was granted conditional bail. Under the terms of her release, she is prohibited from engaging in any activities related to pregnancy or childbirth, including teaching or practising. Additionally, she has been required to surrender her Australian and Italian passports and must report daily to the Nelson Bay Police Station.
Her trial is scheduled to commence at Newcastle Crown Court on October 15, 2025.