The parents of a 31-year-old woman in the United States have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that unsafe medical guidance from ChatGPT contributed to their daughter’s death.
Seattle, October 29, 2026: The parents of Bowen Wan, a Seattle resident who had epilepsy, have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI following her death. According to the report, they allege that ChatGPT provided guidance that led their daughter to reduce her medication without medical supervision.
Wan had been taking medication for epilepsy for several years. She reportedly became concerned that the side effects of her treatment were affecting her memory and ability to speak, prompting her to seek advice from the AI chatbot.
Lawsuit Raises Questions About Medical Advice From AI
According to the lawsuit filed by her parents, ChatGPT allegedly provided a plan for gradually reducing her medication without supervision from a doctor.
Wan was later found dead in her apartment in February. Medical authorities reportedly attributed her death to a sudden complication of epilepsy.
Her parents have blamed the company’s alleged unsafe medical guidance and are seeking to hold it responsible through legal action. These allegations have not been established as a finding of legal liability.
OpenAI Says ChatGPT Is Not a Substitute for Medical Care
OpenAI expressed regret over the incident and reiterated that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional medical treatment.
The case has raised concerns about the risks of relying on AI chatbots for decisions involving prescription medication and serious medical conditions.
Medical treatment, particularly for epilepsy, should be changed only with guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Anyone experiencing medication side effects should consult their doctor before changing or stopping a prescribed dose.