Utah OBGYN Accused of Sexual Abuse by 50 Patients

A month after four women came forward to accuse a Utah obstetrics and gynecology specialist (OBGYN) of sexual abuse, more than 50 women signed a joint lawsuit claiming that they also had a similar experience under Dr. David H. Broadbent.

According to the Idaho Statesman, the sexual abuse happened from 1979 to 2021 as Broadbent took advantage of his role as a medical provider. The joint lawsuit alleged that the OBGYN conducted exams, sometimes unwarranted, on the women's body "under the guise of medically necessary care."

The women indicated they felt horrible and violated, especially as the doctor often does not use gloves for the physical exams. Broadbent's patterns of abuse also preyed on women at their most vulnerable, while they are lying on the examination table without their clothes.

What Triggered the Joint Lawsuit?

Broadbent has a private practice in his own clinic in Provo, Utah, and he also sees patients at Utah Valley Hospital and Mountain Star. In December 2021, a woman shared her experience in a podcast interview that raised awareness of the other victims. In February 2022, four women filed the first complaint against Broadbent together with the help of lawyer Adam Sorenson, who is also handling the joint complaint of the 50 other women.

In the lawsuit, all the women were named Jane Doe and cited personal instances where he made inappropriate comments, showed demeaning behavior, and physically assaulted them. Many often left his clinic feeling uncomfortable about the violation but brushed off the thought and convinced themselves to trust the OBGYN.

Some felt that their experiences under the hands of an aggressive doctor were standard, but their collective stories indicated that he violated the women for his own gratification.

According to the Daily Herald, Sorenson expects that more victims will be coming forward after this joint lawsuit. The lawyer said that they are prepared to go all the way to court, even if it comes to a jury. He expects that the nurses who worked with Broadbent with whom some women expressed their discomfort will likely be deposed in court if the cases go to trial.

He said that the main goal of filing a complaint against Broadbent is to ensure that he can no longer victimize women and lose his practice. The women also want to ensure that there will be no more victims.

Distancing from Dr. Broadbent

Meanwhile, Utah Valley Hospital has distanced itself from Broadbent. Spokesperson Lance Madigan issued a statement saying that the OBGYN was not employed with the hospital as he is an independent physician. Madigan noted that his privileges to deliver babies were suspended following the lawsuit.

Mountain Star also issued a statement and said that Broadbent is currently no longer authorized to check on his patients at their facility, per The Daily Universe.

David C. Epperson, the lawyer for the OBGYN, on the other hand, said that they would not comment on the case to the press as dictated by medical ethics. Epperson is confident that the complaints will be proven without basis in due time.