Radical Birthkeepers in Canada: A Crisis of Skill
Key Facts & Information from the Text:
Regarding yolande Norris-Clark (RBK – Registered Birth Keeper) & Aksel’s Birth:
* Alleged negligence: Yolande norris-Clark is accused of being unprepared during smith’s labor, described as “like a deer in headlights,” and missing signs of an abnormal labor.
* Aksel’s Condition: Aksel was born on May 7, 2023, with a white umbilical cord, was floppy and unresponsive.
* Lack of Resuscitation: Norris-clark allegedly did not attempt to resuscitate Aksel. smith had to instruct her to call 911.
* Diagnosis: Aksel was diagnosed with severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (brain damage due to oxygen deprivation) caused by a placental abruption.
* No Comment: Norris-Clark has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
* Smith’s perspective: Smith developed a “deep trust in birth” through her experience, believing birth unfolds beautifully when intervention is minimized.
Regarding Gloria Lemay (Unlicensed Birth Attendant & Norris-Clark’s Mentor):
* Current Legal Trouble: lemay, 78, is awaiting trial for manslaughter related to the death of a baby 10 days after her birth in January 2024.
* long History of Legal Issues:
* 1986: convicted of criminal negligence causing death (later acquitted on the grounds a fetus isn’t legally a person).
* 1990: Fined $1,000 for refusing to answer questions at an inquest after a baby died of infection.
* 2002: Found in contempt of court for practicing midwifery without a license.
* January 2025: Arrested in relation to the most recent manslaughter case.
* Upcoming Trial: A case management conference is scheduled for January 2026. Lemay plans to plead not guilty.
* Influence on Norris-Clark: Lemay trained Yolande Norris-Clark as a doula and inspired her passion for birth.
* divisive Figure: Lemay is viewed as a risky charlatan by some in the medical field, but a folk hero by many in the birth community.
Broader Context:
* Unlicensed Attendants: the proliferation of unlicensed birth attendants (including those trained by figures like FBS) is prompting authorities in Canada to take action.
* Legal Status of Fetus: A key legal precedent established in 1986 is that a fetus is not legally considered a person.
Links provided in the text:
* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12289431/ – Relates to the 1986 case regarding whether a fetus can be considered a person.
* https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.319144 – details Lemay being found in contempt of court in 2002.