A TikTok video featuring a woman who goes by @jaydatheboxer has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.
In the clip, she claims that *Pap smears “aren’t of God” and urges women to seek divine guidance instead of getting routine cervical cancer screenings.
“Ask God to show you what’s really going on with the Pap smears,” she says in the video, which has racked up thousands of views and sparked widespread concern across social media platforms.
While the TikTok user insists she isn’t fearmongering, health experts warn her message is dangerous and misleading. Pap smears, or Pap tests, are critical life-saving procedures that can detect early signs of cervical cancer, often before symptoms appear. When caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
The Medical Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women between the ages of 21 and 65 should receive regular Pap tests as part of their preventive healthcare routine. These screenings help detect abnormal cervical cells that could develop into cancer if left untreated.
Medical professionals explain that faith and science are not mutually exclusive.
“God gave us science, wisdom, and medical professionals to help care for our bodies,” said one OB-GYN responding to the video. “Ignoring preventive care out of fear or misinformation can have deadly consequences.”
Public Health vs. Misinformation
The TikTok video has stirred debate around the role of religious rhetoric in health decisions, particularly for women. But public health experts warn that conflating spiritual beliefs with medical denialism can put lives at risk—especially in communities that already face disparities in access to care.
“Statements like these undermine years of education and outreach work around women’s health,” said a spokesperson for a national women’s health coalition.
In the United States, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer and have higher mortality rates from the disease, partly due to reduced access to early screenings.
“I have an idea…how about you pray and talk to God and still get go your pap….” someone joked when the video was posted on an Instagram account.
A Call for Clarity
While the video ends with repeated suggestions to “ask God” for personal revelation, critics argue that individual prayer should not replace evidence-based medical care.
“It’s not a question of either/or,” one TikTok commenter responded. “You can pray and still get your Pap smear.”
The Bottom Line
Health professionals and advocates urge women not to be swayed by viral misinformation. Skipping a Pap smear could mean missing early warning signs of a potentially deadly disease.
The best path forward? Stay informed, schedule your screening, and consult licensed medical providers for health decisions.
If you’re due for a Pap smear or have questions about cervical cancer prevention, contact your healthcare provider. Routine checkups save lives.
