Over 55 Women Accuse Army OB-GYN of Sexual Abuse at Fort Hood
UPDATE: Over 55 women have come forward with harrowing allegations against Army OB-GYN Maj. Blaine McGraw, accused of sexual abuse and secretly filming patients at military hospitals in Texas and Hawaii. This shocking revelation raises urgent questions about the Army’s response to earlier complaints as scrutiny intensifies over its handling of the case.
McGraw was suspended on October 17, 2023, after a patient reported finding photos taken during a sensitive examination. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) opened an investigation the same day. Attorneys representing the victims say the misconduct allegedly spans several years, with patterns of abuse at both Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood and Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii mirroring each other.
Attorney Andrew Cobos expressed outrage, stating, “These women trusted the uniform. And they’re telling us the Army repeatedly ignored them.” The Army’s response has been criticized as inadequate, with many victims feeling abandoned in the aftermath of their trauma.
In a statement on November 10, the Army confirmed it had reached out to over 1,400 women treated by McGraw, even those without specific indications of being affected. However, many recipients found the letters vague and unhelpful, leaving them confused about the next steps. Cobos described the outreach as “cold and confusing,” with clients sharing experiences of long wait times and unhelpful responses from the Army’s call center.
Victims have reported that McGraw’s abusive behavior was evident during appointments, including unnecessary exams and invasive procedures. Some women at Tripler recognized similar troubling patterns, such as McGraw’s use of a phone positioned in his chest pocket during examinations.
Despite the serious allegations, the Army has remained tight-lipped, offering little more than assurances of cooperation with the investigation. In statements issued on October 28 and November 10, Fort Hood emphasized patient safety but did not address potential oversight failures that may have allowed the misconduct to continue.
The Army has initiated multiple investigations into clinical practices, chaperone procedures, and other systems, with victims stating that such reviews are long overdue. Cobos has filed a lawsuit in Bell County, alleging that McGraw recorded patients without consent and performed unnecessary exams. Further lawsuits may be forthcoming, potentially targeting the Department of the Army as well.
“This isn’t just one bad doctor,” Cobos asserted. “It was an institution that looked the other way. And now it’s time for answers.” As the investigation continues, many unanswered questions linger about how such abuses could persist unchecked within the military healthcare system.
McGraw has not yet been charged and is presumed innocent under military law. The CID has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation, but the urgency for accountability is palpable as more women step forward with their stories.
As this developing story unfolds, the impact on the victims and the broader military community remains profound. The call for transparency and justice grows louder, with many demanding immediate action from Army officials.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to evolve, with additional details expected in the coming days.
