Critics have likened the lung float test to a witch trial.
The premise: If a baby was born alive and then died, air from its first breaths would cause the lungs to float in water.
If the baby was stillborn, lack of air would cause the lungs to sink.
https://www.propublica.org/article/lung-float-test-stillbirth-pregnancy-medical-examiners?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mastodon-post

An exam meant to determine whether a baby was born dead or alive is of “questionable value,” the National Association of Medical Examiners cautions. The paper follows a ProPublica report on how the test had been used against women accused of murder.