Midwife convicted of role in the death of a child during home birth

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HARRISBURG, PA – A woman involved in a home birth that resulted in the death of a child in Sullivan County has been sentenced to 8 ⅔ to 17 ⅓ years in prison. Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing of Brigitte Meckes, 49, following her conviction by a jury of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and other charges related to the 2022 incident.

Meckes, who did not have a medical license, acted as a midwife during the birth but received no medical attention for the distressed child. She and the mother tried alternative treatments instead, with the baby dying two days later. Sullivan County Presiding Judge Russel Shurtleff commented on Meckes’ lack of remorse during the sentencing.

Evidence from the prosecution showed that Meckes and the baby’s parents, Drew and Amy Hoenigke, were aware of the child’s critical condition. Text messages indicated they acknowledged the baby’s deteriorating condition but did not contact emergency services.

In July, Meckes, of New York, was found guilty of several charges, including involuntary manslaughter.