More than 55 women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Major Blaine McGraw, an Army obstetrician-gynecologist. The accusations, which include inappropriate touching and unauthorized recordings during medical examinations, have raised serious concerns about the Army’s handling of previous complaints and whether institutional protection was prioritized over patient safety. The incidents reportedly took place at military hospitals in Texas and Hawaii.
McGraw, who was assigned to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood and previously to the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, was suspended on October 17 following a patient’s report of discovering unauthorized photos taken during a sensitive examination. The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) initiated an investigation on the same day.
Legal representatives for the women claim that the misconduct spans several years, with consistent patterns of behavior reported across both locations. According to attorney Andrew Cobos, the women have expressed a sense of betrayal, stating that they trusted the medical professionals in uniform, only to feel ignored when they raised their concerns.
The Army’s public response to the allegations has faced criticism. A statement issued on November 10 indicated that notification letters were sent to over 1,400 women treated by McGraw, even if there was no specific indication that they had been affected. Recipients reported feeling confused and uncertain, as the letters lacked essential details about the allegations or potential risks.
Many women described the outreach as impersonal and unhelpful, with some experiencing long wait times or being transferred to unrelated departments. One client recounted a distressing experience during a CID interview, where she was shown photos of her own body taken without consent, leaving her without support in a vulnerable moment.
In response to inquiries regarding the investigation, the Army CID stated that their agents are trained in trauma-informed interviews and that victims were provided initial information handouts. However, several women who had appointments with McGraw reported similar troubling patterns of behavior, including unnecessary examinations and invasive procedures without clear medical justification.
Former personnel from Tripler have also shared concerns about McGraw’s conduct, suggesting that issues may have been known prior to his transfer to Texas. The Army has not disclosed whether any internal reviews were conducted during his time in Hawaii or if previous complaints had been forwarded when he moved to Fort Hood.
The allegations against McGraw include claims of unauthorized recordings and inappropriate examinations. The lawsuit filed against him highlights systemic failures within the Army, suggesting a lack of oversight and accountability. Notably, it states that chaperones, including nurses and even the patients’ spouses, were often excluded from the examination rooms, raising further concerns about patient safety.
As the investigation continues, further legal actions may arise, including potential claims against the Department of the Army. Cobos emphasized that the women are not merely alleging misconduct; they are highlighting a system that has failed them at every level.
McGraw has not yet been formally charged and remains presumed innocent under military law. The CID has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation. Cobos noted that his firm continues to receive daily inquiries from former patients, indicating the depth of concern surrounding this case. He believes it reflects a troubling reality, where not just one individual, but an institution may have turned a blind eye to serious misconduct.
