WARNING: Graphic Images
A 73 y.o. gynecologist is alleged to have raped a total of 21 women, during the course of his employment at the University of Southern California [1]. George Tyndall is said to have sexually penetrated his victims while they were unconscious. He has pleaded not guilty.
The women, who range from 17 y.o. to 31 y.o., were being seen at the campus health center. That Tyndall would have taken advantage of women in this setting is despicable. That he did so while these women were under anesthesia was particularly craven.
His actions obviously violated the Hippocratic Oath Tyndall had sworn to uphold.
Not the First
But Tyndall is not the first gynecologist to have abused his patients. Columbia University gynecologist, Robert Hadden, is accused of having sexually assaulted over 75 patients – Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, among them [2][3].
Hadden fondled the genitalia of his patients and masturbated them. He forcibly manipulated their nipples. Stunned, the women did not expect to be believed. At least one patient, however, advised Columbia of these violations.
Hadden continued to practice for years, ultimately reaching a “sweetheart” deal with the Manhattan district attorney’s office which allowed him to surrender his medical license and go free. Thankfully, that deal is being re-examined. Hadden’s victims are, also, bringing civil suit.
Unconsented to Touching
No woman enjoys visiting the gynecologist. Most of us feel foolish, uncomfortable, and vulnerable dressed in a paper gown with our legs splayed. Add to that the embarrassment of discussing our intimate problems with a comparative stranger, and the anxiety of a possible breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer diagnosis.
Each of us has the right to determine who touches our bodies. Consent to a gynecological exam does not constitute consent to sexual assault [4].
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[1] New York Daily News, “Former USC gynecologist pleads not guilty to sexual assaults of five more women” by Nancy Dillon, 7/24/20, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-usc-gyno-george-tyndall-pleads-not-guilty-new-sex-assault-charges-20200724-fevl7rs32necneraqsmlal5pkm-story.html.
[2] New York Times, “19 Women Accused a Gynecologist of Abuse. Why Didn’t He Go to Prison?” by Jan Hansen, 10/22/19, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/22/nyregion/robert-hadden-gynecologist-sexual-abuse.html.
[3] CNN, “Exclusive: New evidence shows a patient warned Columbia University about OB-GYN’s alleged sexual assault decades ago” by Nelli Black, Robert Kuznia, and Drew Griffin, 2/28/20, https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/28/politics/columbia-sexual-assault-letter-warning-invs/index.html.
[4] To protect their patients (and protect themselves against unfounded claims) many gynecologists make certain a female nurse or assistant is present in the exam room during procedures.
A settlement by the University of Southern California for $852 Million has been reached with 710 women who alleged abuse by George Tyndall. See, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/usc-agrees-1-1-billion-settlement-hundreds-women-alleging-abuse-n1262075.
A separate settlement for $215 Million was reached with 300 others. See, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/usc-offers-215m-settle-gynecologist-sex-abuse-claims-some-opposed-n922471.
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
It’s hurtful to experience such from a professional you’ve visited for help. Worse still that the system makes it harder for the victims to get justice.
Yes, a double violation.
This is very disturbing and disgusting.
I am sorry to have to report on such things. Awareness is our only safeguard.
Its an eye opener .just keep doiing it..
Thank you for the encouragement.
This happened to me when I was 15. Drugged and raped by my doctor. Two nurses realized what was going on and reported him to the police. The police searched his office and found tape recordings in his desk that he had made of his rapes. I wasn’t the only victim. He committed suicide before he could be brought to justice.
That women cannot even be safe in their doctors’ offices is despicable. My heart goes out to you, Linda. ❤
This kind of behaviour is shocking. After having a smear test done many years ago I was advised by my GP Doctor to have a small spot removed caused by using tampons. I duly went for the minor operation. I do not know what the staff did to bring me out of the anesthetic but my face and neck was black and blue.
This was not the worst of it, 6 weeks later I had to go to have an internal at the hospital. The young male doctor seemed to be enjoying the whole procedure more than me I was 32 years old. I did not tell my GP and I should have reported him but from that day onwards I refused to have smear tests done. The spot now I know could be been cured with Tea Tree oil on a tampon I did not have to endure all the pain and embarrassment.
How distressing for you, Nanette. I used to do medical malpractice litigation. I saw the best and worst of medical practice, in the process.
At the time is was very distressing. Thank you Anna for your support. This was the start of becoming a natural therapist.
Amazing how God can use our brokenness. ❤
Iam so sorry to read about what has happened to you.
The silence and endurance of the victim emboldens the perpetrator.
You should have taught him a lesson in some way.
When we hide behind the dark curtain of shame, these rascals are let loose on prowl. More and more innocents are victimized.
Each one should be on the vigil always to avoid meeting such hyenas.
Law needs sharper canines to tear these criminals to shreds.
Thank you for your kind support. I should have reported the whole incident of malpractice.
Often we do not expect to be believed — just as the women here.
In those days people did not complain or question the medical profession they got away with far too much.
This is nauseating even to imagine that there exist such perverted men donning the noble medical coat and committing heinous crimes..
I agree. Medicine is a high calling to which dedicated men and women have devoted their lives.
Dear anna, I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Please check my latest post.
I am truly grateful. Thank you so much.
These situations are getting worse and worse. Awareness is key. Thanks for doing your part in that.
♥️
Thank you. ❤ Yes, it is a sad world. We must remain alert.
Revolting. If only the medical license is lost, another way will be found.
Yes, shocking and depraved.
Anna, the whole world revolves around abuse… doctors, priests, scout leaders… when will it ever end. How will it, if ever be stopped? It is an entangled web of deceit and barbaric behavior.
You are so right, Lance. The problem is a spiritual one. We can legislate and litigate all we want. Until we change hearts, nothing will change.
And, it’s up to each and every individual on the planet… wise words, dear Anna.
Such behavior is shameful and disgusting. That is the reason in India it is mandatory for a lady attendant to be present for any kind of medical check-up, by a male doctor. It may sound ancient, and not 100% foolproof but very reassuring to the lady patient.
It is a sound practice, in my view.
Quite the sick guy to say it softly.
Too right, Charly.
I have never read about this case but not surprised at all to hear this nauseating recount of sexual assault when women are at their most vulnerable. You have to wonder will it ever stop. Educating the public like you are doing is an important step. Thank you for what you do Anna. Love J
You are very kind, Joni. Even education will not stop such despicable behavior. But it may reduce the frequency of such infractions.
I would never have imagined that something like this would occur. I always respected the profession and would not even think of medical professionals engaging in such sick behaviour, however, during my 30 years in law enforcement I did witness a steady downward spiral wherein society is trapped. People, including health professionals, are now much more vulgar, much more violent, much more willing to take chances and commit crimes against the very people that seek their assistance for something so delicate, so important, as their health. If you ask me there is no punishment that they can get that would equal their horrific crimes.
I agree, Francisco. For some crimes, there is no adequate punishment.
so sad — & so very very brave of the women who do come forward…
Exactly as you say, da-AL.
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