Army gynecologist accused of secretly taking videos of patients during exams, lawsuit alleges

Key Concepts

• Sexual Assault and Abuse Lawsuit: A legal action filed against the U.S. Army and a military OB/GYN alleging widespread sexual misconduct against women on military bases.
• Jane Doe: A pseudonym used to protect the identity of the plaintiff in the lawsuit due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
• Dr. Blaine McGraw: The named Army gynecologist at Fort Hood accused of sexual assault and abuse.
• Fort Hood: The military base where the alleged misconduct by Dr. McGraw took place.
• Neglect and Oversight: Allegations against the Army for failing to prevent or address the alleged misconduct.
• Secret Recording: An accusation that Dr. McGraw secretly recorded patients during examinations.
• Invasive Examinations: Allegations of unnecessary, humiliating, and violating breast and vaginal examinations unrelated to medical necessity.
• Federal Claim: A legal action filed in federal court.

Lawsuit Filed Against Army and Military OB/GYN in Texas

A significant lawsuit has been filed in Texas against the U.S. Army and a military OB/GYN, Dr. Blaine McGraw, alleging years of sexual assault and abuse against women on multiple military bases. The complaint, a 13-page document, was filed on behalf of a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe to protect her identity.

Allegations Against Dr. Blaine McGraw

The lawsuit details disturbing allegations against Dr. McGraw, an Army gynecologist at Fort Hood. According to the complaint, Jane Doe suffered sexual violations and was secretly recorded by Dr. McGraw. A specific section of the complaint states:

"Over the course of roughly 7 to 8 appointments, Doctor McGraw groped, touched and examined Jane Doe in ways that had nothing to do with healing, performing invasive breast and vaginal examinations in ways that were unnecessary, humiliating, and profoundly violating, and which had nothing to do with the medical issues for which she sought care."

The complaint also explicitly states, "The Army allowed this conduct to occur," indicating a broader accusation of systemic failure.

Attorney's Perspective and Scope of Allegations

Andrew Cobos, the attorney representing Jane Doe, spoke about the scale of the issue. While his firm has filed suit on behalf of one client, Jane Doe, they represent "well over 50 individuals" bringing allegations against both Dr. McGraw and the Army for their "neglect and their oversight in allowing this to continue."

Cobos believes the number of victims could be much higher, potentially in the hundreds. He stated:

"I believe that there were hundreds of women, and I know that there are 50 who have come forward to my firm and have sought representation. I know that there's other law firms out there who are representing victims in this case, and I know that there are plenty more who are unaware that this doctor potentially photographed them, or that the procedures that he was conducting were outside the bounds of medicine. And so, yes, I believe that this is an extensive case potentially involving hundreds of victims."

Some of these allegations date back to 2021. Cobos also indicated plans to file a second federal claim, this one specifically against the Army.

Fort Hood's Response

Fort Hood has issued a statement on their website acknowledging the situation. Officials are reportedly contacting all doctors and providing a dedicated call center number for patients who have questions or concerns.

Conclusion

This lawsuit highlights serious allegations of sexual assault, abuse, and neglect within the military healthcare system at Fort Hood. The complaint details specific instances of inappropriate examinations and secret recording, with the attorney suggesting a widespread problem affecting potentially hundreds of women. The Army and Fort Hood are reportedly taking steps to address the situation, including patient outreach and the establishment of a call center. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with further federal claims anticipated.