The tranquil state of Utah has been shaken by a chilling scandal as over 200 women accuse a former OB/GYN of sexual assault during routine medical examinations. This case, drawing comparisons to the infamous Larry Nassar scandal, has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
A Pattern of Abuse Emerges
What began with a handful of brave women sharing their stories on a podcast quickly escalated into a tidal wave of accusations. These women, many of whom were young and visiting a gynecologist for the first time, describe a horrifying pattern of abuse that allegedly spanned decades. The accused, Dr. David Broadbent, had a practice strategically located near Brigham Young University, seemingly preying on the vulnerability of young women new to the area and unfamiliar with standard medical practices.
Disturbing Allegations Come to Light
Court documents reveal heartbreaking and disturbing accounts from the alleged victims. Jane Doe HP, who saw Broadbent multiple times in 2020 and 2021, accuses him of inappropriate touching, including fondling and using his fingers instead of proper gynecological instruments. She recounts a particularly horrific incident where Broadbent allegedly made light of her potential miscarriage, later admitting he had been misleading her about the ultrasound.
Another alleged victim, Jane Doe pH, claims Broadbent questioned her virginity and then proceeded to digitally penetrate her without warning, leaving her feeling “ashamed, confused, and violated.”
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of a physician who allegedly used his position of power to exploit and abuse vulnerable women, often making inappropriate comments and engaging in unwanted physical contact.
Witnesses and a Culture of Silence
Adding another layer of complexity to the case are the allegations from several women who claim the abuse occurred in front of witnesses, including nurses and even family members. Jane Doe Ru, who saw Broadbent for prenatal care, alleges that he made a disturbing comment about assault during an exam, while a nurse present remained silent. This disturbing detail raises serious concerns about a potential culture of silence and fear of retaliation within the healthcare system.
Hospitals Named as Co-Defendants
The lawsuit also names Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) and MountainStar Healthcare as co-defendants, alleging that they received multiple complaints about Broadbent’s conduct but failed to take appropriate action. The lawsuit claims that both hospitals continued to refer patients to Broadbent’s private clinic, despite being aware of the allegations against him.
alt
Justice Delayed, Not Denied
After an initial setback when the case was dismissed as a medical malpractice claim, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that the allegations fell outside the scope of medical practice, paving the way for the case to proceed as a civil sexual assault lawsuit.
Adam Sorenson, the attorney representing the alleged victims, believes that this case highlights a systemic problem of institutions prioritizing their reputation over the safety and well-being of those they serve. “It’s not just… there’s a lot of amazing doctors… but when that turns to protecting the organization, it enables abusers to continue abuse for years and years,” he says.
A Call for Accountability and Change
As the case moves forward, the alleged victims are not only seeking justice for the harm they endured but also calling for a systemic overhaul to prevent future abuse. Brooke Heath, one of the first women to come forward, emphasizes the need for hospitals to prioritize patient safety and create a culture where reporting abuse is encouraged and acted upon swiftly and decisively.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of believing survivors and holding abusers accountable, regardless of their position or power. It also underscores the need for a radical shift in how institutions handle reports of abuse, ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard, believed, and met with meaningful action.