A Guardian investigation has uncovered links between a US-based freebirth business, linked to baby deaths worldwide, and the Australian 'birth keeper' Emily Lal, a key witness in the inquest into the death of Melbourne wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke.
During Emilee Saldaya's leadership of the Free Birth Society (FBS), a multimillion-dollar organisation associated with baby deaths globally, she repeatedly claimed no knowledge of maternal deaths after freebirth. Months after that interview, 30-year-old nutritionist and first-time mother Stacey Warnecke died from complications of a massive postpartum haemorrhage following a freebirth attended by Lal, an unlicensed birth attendant and Saldaya's student.
Investigation Findings
A year-long Guardian investigation in 2025 identified 48 cases of late-term stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or serious harm involving mothers or birth attendants linked to FBS. The inquest into Warnecke's death is ongoing, with no findings reached. Guardian now reveals the full extent of Lal's ties to FBS.
World Cup Update
Paraguay advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Germany in a sudden-death penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Paraguay's José Canale scored the winning penalty, marking Germany's first World Cup shootout defeat in 50 years. Morocco also progressed after beating the Netherlands in a shootout, and Brazil secured their spot with a 2-1 win over Japan. Socceroo Cristian Volpato, a former Italian youth international, reflected on his journey ahead of Australia's match against Egypt.
Rescue at Sea
Junior Apiuta Apiuta, 42, was rescued by the New Zealand air force after surviving eight days adrift in the Pacific Ocean when his fishing boat's engine failed. 'Big waves, way higher than the boat, slammed [me] from both sides … but I wasn't scared because I never lost faith and stopped praying,' he said.
