MONROVIA – Authorities have launched an official investigation into the death of a 24-year-old woman following a home-based delivery allegedly conducted by an elderly traditional midwife in Bonja Community, Montserrado County. The midwife, identified as Oldma Photo Lloyd, believed to be in her early 70s, was arrested on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and handed over to the Liberia National Police on suspicion of medical malpractice.
The deceased, Grace Junior, was reportedly taken to Oldma Lloyd’s home around 5:00 a.m. to give birth. Rather than referring the patient to a licensed health facility in the face of complications, the midwife kept her at the residence for several hours. Investigators say Junior began experiencing severe breathing difficulties around 1:00 p.m., a delay that proved fatal.
A joint probe conducted by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council, the Montserrado County Health Team, and the Ministry of Justice’s Public Safety Department determined that Oldma Lloyd acted outside the scope of her training. Though certified under the Ministry of Health’s Integrated Traditional Midwifery Program in 2007, Lloyd was only authorized to provide support under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals and in accordance with national health protocols.
Health authorities emphasized that traditional midwives are prohibited from conducting unsupervised deliveries, especially in non-clinical settings. The Ministry of Health underscored that Lloyd had been assigned to a recognized health facility, making her decision to handle the delivery at home a clear violation of policy.
“This death could have been avoided if the proper referral system had been followed,” investigators concluded.
The Liberia National Police have opened an official case and are expected to continue their probe to determine whether criminal charges will be filed. The incident has reignited concerns over unsafe maternal practices and the enforcement of healthcare standards, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
