A 25-year-old Irish woman travelling in Australia with friends has been charged with “concealing the birth of a child that died before or after the birth”.
Australian law requires that all births be reported, even if the infant does not survive, or passes away from natural causes.
The woman is said to have been unaware of her pregnancy and was alone in the town of Halls Creek when she gave birth. She allegedly hid the body of her baby and didn’t tell her friends until three days later. She was then taken to hospital and police were informed.
The case came before a court three months ago, and has now been referred to a higher court in Perth.
Her trial will take place later this year, and if convicted, the woman could spend two years in jail.
