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Pastor Sues OpenAI Over Dangerous ChatGPT Health Tips
22 Jul
Summary
- A pastor claims ChatGPT gave dangerous medical advice.
- He alleges the chatbot delayed his treatment for a pulmonary embolism.
- Lawsuit accuses OpenAI of negligence and unauthorized medical practice.
A lawsuit has been filed against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, with pastor Scott Winters alleging that ChatGPT provided dangerously inaccurate medical advice. Winters claims the chatbot's guidance led him to delay seeking professional medical care for what was eventually diagnosed as a pulmonary embolism. The incident reportedly began in 2024, with Winters experiencing health issues.
According to the lawsuit filed in California, ChatGPT allegedly offered advice such as "Take it easy" and assured Winters his symptoms were "not something dangerous." The chatbot also purportedly suggested that "God did not design your body to endlessly fail." Winters did not seek hospital care until June 2025.
OpenAI, through spokesperson Drew Pusateri, stated that ChatGPT is not a doctor and should not replace medical care. However, Pusateri also noted that focusing solely on chatbots oversimplifies complex health decisions and could hinder access to helpful tools. This case follows similar lawsuits against OpenAI regarding alleged harmful AI advice.
Previous legal actions include a wrongful death lawsuit concerning a teenager who allegedly received harmful coaching from ChatGPT, and another case where a young adult reportedly overdosed after receiving medical advice from the chatbot. These instances highlight ongoing concerns about AI's role in sensitive areas like healthcare.
