Dr. Shao's Fall from the Building and the Lethal Risk of Amniotic Fluid Embolism

On August 1, 2025, Dr. Shao, the head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Zhoukou City Sixth People's Hospital in Henan Province, fell from a building within the hospital, drawing widespread public attention. According to the official statement released by the Zhoukou Municipal Health Commission on August 5, the incident occurred at 8:38 PM on August 1, and Dr. Shao passed away at 1:40 AM on August 2. The hospital confirmed that an investigation team has been established by the local health commission and public security authorities to look into the matter, with further updates to be provided by the team.

A Tragedy Triggered by Online Harassment

Dr. Shao's family has stated that she was overwhelmed by online harassment and made the tragic choice to end her life. According to her relatives, the harassment had been ongoing for several months and was primarily linked to three medical disputes. The most controversial of these involved a case of amniotic fluid embolism, where a mother was urgently subjected to a hysterectomy after experiencing complications. Despite the mother and her family signing an informed consent form before the surgery, and the successful delivery of a baby girl, they later filed a lawsuit against the hospital and another hospital in Zhengzhou, and posted videos on social media accusing Dr. Shao of improper treatment.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Rare and Lethal Condition

According to experts, amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but extremely dangerous complication that occurs during childbirth, with a mortality rate as high as 86%. It is unpredictable and difficult to prevent. Dr. Duantao from the Tongji University Affiliated Oriental Hospital explained that amniotic fluid embolism can occur suddenly, with a mother sometimes dying within seconds of calling out for help. The condition can lead to cardiac arrest and the loss of both mother and child, with successful rescues being rare.

Dr. Ruanyangyan from the Beijing Women's and Children's Hospital noted that there is currently no specific diagnostic method for amniotic fluid embolism, and treatment is largely supportive. The decision to perform a hysterectomy in such cases is often made as a life-saving measure.

A Tragic Cycle of Medical Disputes

In addition to the amniotic fluid embolism case, Dr. Shao faced two other medical disputes. The second involved a woman who had given birth three times and opted for a vaginal delivery despite warnings of a high risk of uterine rupture. The woman's husband and the woman herself signed an informed consent form, but the child died due to complications. The third dispute involved a child who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy two years after a normal delivery, with the family blaming the hospital for early treatment errors.

Dr. Shao's family believes that the online harassment she faced was exacerbated by the families involved in these disputes, who began to interact and promote each other's content on social media, leading to a surge in online attacks. Her relatives described the situation as a