"Strong Punishment Needed for Medical Staff Who Performed Surgery"
As a YouTube video claiming that an abortion was performed at 36 weeks of pregnancy sparks controversy, a medical association has called for a thorough investigation.
YouTuber A revealed that she was hospitalized for a pregnancy termination surgery [Photo by YouTube screenshot]
On the 16th, the Seoul Medical Association stated in a press release, "Although we cannot fully believe the contents of a YouTuber's video claiming to have undergone surgery after learning of the pregnancy at 36 weeks, this issue raises public suspicion of 'fetal murder,' so a thorough verification of the facts is necessary." The Seoul Medical Association added, "If these allegations are proven true, we express the position that strong punishment is necessary for the medical staff who performed the abortion at 36 weeks of pregnancy," and "Furthermore, through a thorough investigation by an expert evaluation team, our association intends to impose strong disciplinary measures independently." They also emphasized, "If illegal and unethical acts are confirmed, we will do our utmost to ensure compliance with professional ethics and self-regulation through swift and strong disciplinary actions. Conversely, if the claims are false, we strongly request that those who deceived the public be punished with the maximum legal penalty."
Furthermore, the Seoul Medical Association stated, "If these allegations are not true, it is a serious criminal act that misleads the public with false information for economic gain through YouTube, undermining trust between doctors and patients and threatening public life, so we strongly request strict punishment." They also added, "Regardless of the facts, we deeply regret the reality that such an incident has occurred." Since 2019, the Seoul Medical Association has operated an expert evaluation team system and has implemented a total of 72 disciplinary actions.
Earlier, a woman in her 20s, identified as A, uploaded a video on her YouTube account documenting her experience of undergoing an abortion at 36 weeks of pregnancy. In the video, A claimed that after her menstruation stopped in March, she was diagnosed at a hospital with polycystic ovary syndrome and hormonal imbalance causing irregular menstruation, but only realized she was pregnant at 36 weeks. As the video spread through online communities, netizens criticized it as "fetal murder," citing the Maternal and Child Health Act, which prohibits abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
An ultrasound image verified by a woman claiming to be nine months pregnant. [Photo by YouTube capture]
As the controversy grew, the Ministry of Health and Welfare requested the police to investigate A and the surgeon B on charges of murder. Regarding this, Cho Ji-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a regular press briefing, "Unlike other typical abortion cases, we plan to investigate this matter with gravity." Subsequently, Commissioner Cho assigned the case to the Criminal Mobile Unit.
However, the authenticity of the video has not yet been confirmed. On various online communities and social networking services (SNS), opinions suggesting that the video was deliberately fabricated are gaining traction, based on inconsistencies within the video content.
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