Atlanta Physician Fined $2 Million After Sharing Disturbing Autopsy Footage of Newborn's Severed Head on Social Media Without Parental Consent

The jury awarded over $2 million to the parents of a newborn whose head was decapitated during delivery, following a controversial social media post by Dr. Jackson Gates in metro Atlanta. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr. after Dr. Gates shared autopsy videos on Instagram featuring distressing images of their child.A judge determined that the physician and his facility were liable after the couple sought a private autopsy due to complications—specifically shoulder dystocia—during delivery on July 9, 2023. Doctors attempted several deliveries, resorting to a cesarean section, but tragically faced the decapitation.The lawsuit accused Gates of sharing the content without consent, seeking attention on social media. Gates defended his actions, claiming privacy was upheld. He was held accountable for emotional distress and privacy invasion, with the jury highlighting the need for professionals to respect their patients’ sensitivity. Ross and Taylor also have ongoing claims against the hospital involved in the delivery.