More than 200 women and several men accuse doctor in lawsuit of sexual abuse, unnecessary exams
More than 200 women and several men accuse doctor in lawsuit of sexual abuse, unnecessary exams ABC News
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BOSTON — More than a decade ago, Kristin Fritz was struggling with pain in her spine and saw a rheumatologist recommended by her doctor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Introduction
Kristin Fritz, a patient at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, experienced a traumatic incident during her visit with Dr. Derrick Todd, a rheumatologist. This incident, along with similar experiences reported by more than 200 women and several men, has led to a consolidated lawsuit against Todd in Massachusetts’ Suffolk Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that Todd performed unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and rectal examinations on patients. It also accuses other defendants, including Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, of knowing about the abuse and failing to stop it.
Background
- Kristin Fritz visited Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston for treatment of her spinal pain.
- During her visit with Dr. Derrick Todd, she experienced aggressive groping of her breasts.
- More than 200 women and several men have joined a consolidated lawsuit against Todd.
- The lawsuit accuses Todd of performing unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and rectal examinations on patients.
- Other defendants, including Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, are accused of knowing about the abuse and failing to stop it.
Impact and Response
- The victims of Todd’s abuse range in age from teenagers to women in their 60s.
- Todd would gain their trust, go beyond treating their rheumatic diseases, and conduct invasive, unnecessary exams.
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital terminated Todd’s employment after an internal investigation.
- Todd reached a voluntary agreement with the Board of Registration in Medicine to stop practicing medicine anywhere in the country.
- No criminal charges have been filed against Todd, but law enforcement has interviewed several former patients.
Reactions and Reflections
The victims of Todd’s abuse have expressed their deep distress and the impact it has had on their lives. They have also questioned how such abuse could go unnoticed for so long within the hospital and medical practice group. The hospital and Charles River Medical Associates have expressed their concern and commitment to addressing the allegations.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Dr. Derrick Todd highlights the importance of addressing sexual abuse in medical settings. It is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This case serves as a reminder of the need for healthcare institutions to prioritize patient safety and take immediate action when allegations of misconduct arise.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of reported cases of sexual abuse or misconduct by healthcare professionals.
- Number of healthcare professionals facing legal action or disciplinary measures for sexual abuse or misconduct.
- Number of victims who come forward to report incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. | – Number of reported cases of sexual abuse or misconduct by healthcare professionals. – Number of healthcare professionals facing legal action or disciplinary measures for sexual abuse or misconduct. – Number of victims who come forward to report incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of reported cases of sexual abuse or misconduct against women and girls. – Number of legal actions taken against perpetrators of sexual abuse or misconduct against women and girls. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of reported cases of sexual abuse or misconduct against children. – Number of legal actions taken against perpetrators of sexual abuse or misconduct against children. |
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Source: abcnews.go.com
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