A jury in Fulton County, Georgia, awarded Jessica Ross, 22, and her husband $2.25 million on 19/6. The lawsuit stemmed from an incident on 9/7/2023, when Ross went to the Southern Regional Medical Center in Clayton County, Georgia, to give birth. The baby boy’s shoulder became stuck in the birth canal, and doctors performed a delayed and overly forceful delivery, causing the baby's head to detach from his body, resulting in his death.

The couple hired Dr. Jackson Gates to perform an autopsy on their baby. Gates then posted the video of the autopsy on his public Instagram account.

This action was deemed to have added to the grieving parents’ pain.

"They entrusted their precious child to him. Dr. Gates repaid this trust by posting horrific images of their child for the world to see," the couple's lawyer stated in the lawsuit filed in September 2023. They initially sought $30 million in damages.

While the awarded amount was less than what they sought, the couple believe the jury sent a strong message that doctors must always consider their patients' feelings. "Doctors should always act with empathy," they said.

Gates' lawyer said his client did not intend any harm by posting the images. Gates has since deleted the Instagram account and started a new one. He reportedly intends to continue posting autopsy images on social media.

In addition to this lawsuit, the couple is also suing Southern Regional Medical Center, alleging medical malpractice led to their baby's death. This case is still pending.

Hai Thu (Atlanta News First)