A gynecologist from Iași is targeted by a complaint after stating in a video posted on social media that a child conceived during fasting would have a higher risk of dying during pregnancy or after birth. The clip was later deleted, but reactions were swift, and the case caught the attention of the College of Physicians in Romania.
The complaint was also forwarded to the Iași College of Physicians, which is set to conduct investigations. In the meantime, the leadership of the professional organization publicly distanced itself from such statements.
Statements that sparked the scandal
The controversy started from a public message in which the doctor allegedly claimed that "statistically speaking," children conceived during fasting have an increased risk of death or serious health problems.
The issue was brought to public attention by civic activist Ovidiu Covaciu, known for his involvement in combating health misinformation. He reported on Facebook: "A 'doctor' gynecologist with a TikTok page posted a video saying that she discovered 'statistically speaking' that a child conceived during major fasts is more likely to die during pregnancy. Or after birth, in the crib. Or to have more serious medical problems."
He claims that he warned the doctor privately, but received a response he describes as shocking: "Over 70% of children conceived during fasting experience something."
Complaints to multiple institutions
Covaciu announced that he filed complaints against doctor Cristina Buznar at the College of Physicians, at Arcadia Hospital in Iași, where she collaborates, and at the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The video in which the statements were made has since been deleted from social media.
College of Physicians: "Not based on solid scientific evidence"
The College of Physicians in Romania responded officially, emphasizing that they distance themselves from any statement not supported by validated research.
"The College of Physicians in Romania firmly distances itself from any information or statement that is not based on solid scientific evidence and is not supported by studies validated by the medical community," representatives of the institution stated.
They reiterated the importance of evidence-based medicine and professional responsibility in public communication.
Warning regarding doctors' responsibility in the public space
The President of the College of Physicians in Romania, Cătălina Poiană, warned that messages conveyed by doctors can directly influence patients' decisions.
"Freedom of expression in the public space cannot be dissociated from professional responsibility in the health field. In medicine, every message publicly transmitted by a doctor can have direct consequences on patients' decisions and on trust in the healthcare system," she stated.
She emphasized that "any statement by a doctor, a member of CMR, must be based on solid scientific evidence and aligned with guidelines and practices validated at the international level."