In a significant reversal of its earlier announcement, OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT will continue to answer users’ health-related questions after all. The AI company had previously stated it would pause this capability in early 2025, citing the need for more time to ensure the chatbot could provide reliable medical information. This change in direction highlights the ongoing balancing act between responsible AI development and meeting user demand for health guidance through conversational AI.
The decision comes after OpenAI received substantial feedback from users who rely on ChatGPT for health information access. Many users, particularly those with limited healthcare resources, expressed concern about losing this functionality. OpenAI now plans to implement enhanced safeguards and disclaimers instead of removing the feature entirely, acknowledging both the utility and risks of AI-powered health information. The company emphasized that while ChatGPT can provide general health information, it should not replace professional medical advice.
This policy shift reflects the broader challenges facing AI companies as they navigate the complex landscape of responsible AI deployment in sensitive domains like healthcare. OpenAI’s approach now aligns more closely with competitors like Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini, which continue to offer health-related responses with appropriate disclaimers. As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily information-seeking behaviors, the industry continues to evolve its approach to balancing innovation with appropriate safeguards in critical areas like health information.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/openai-can-still-answer-your-health-questions-2025-11