'She asked for help': Laura Liston inquest highlights gaps in homebirth maternity care

A rare maternal death following a homebirth prompts renewed scrutiny of staffing, guidelines and oversight in Ireland’s maternity services.

Laura Liston, 36, died in June 2022 after giving birth to a baby boy at her home near Croom, Limerick, under the HSE homebirth service.

"Strong", "courageous", and "always helping people" were some terms used to describe Laura Liston during the inquest into her death after giving birth at home in Limerick.

The HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) has now pledged “the review of the tragic case” will “inform the development” of clinical guidelines in maternity care.