Major Blaine McGraw, an Army gynecologist, faces serious allegations of misconduct, including secretly filming patients during exams. A recent lawsuit claims that McGraw captured images of at least one examination without consent and engaged in inappropriate behavior with multiple patients.
Investigation Launched Following Allegations
The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) acted quickly after a patient reported these allegations. According to a statement from Fort Hood published on October 28, officials began their investigation “within hours” of the claims. They are also reaching out to all of McGraw’s former patients, providing them with a dedicated call center number for inquiries.
Recurring Issues at Fort Hood
Critics argue that this case is not an isolated incident. Fort Hood has faced scrutiny regarding allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct in the past. One of the most notable cases involved Army specialist Vanessa Guillén, who was murdered in 2020 after reporting harassment. An Army investigation revealed that her complaints were ignored.
Previous Complaints Against McGraw
Prior to his role at Fort Hood, McGraw worked at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. There, he was accused of covertly recording a female patient’s pelvic examination. Reports suggest that upon receiving this complaint, McGraw’s superiors dismissed it and allowed him to continue treating patients.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit outlines multiple forms of misconduct by McGraw. These include:
- Inducing labor against a pregnant patient’s wishes.
- Making inappropriate comments about a patient’s body during examinations.
- Touching patients inappropriately without medical justification.
One patient recalled that McGraw commented on her “happy spot” during an examination, further illustrating his alleged misconduct.
Continued Vulnerability Among Patients
The lawsuit claims these allegations represent only “the tip of the iceberg.” Many military wives and daughters feel violated and lack the necessary support and answers following their experiences with McGraw. One military spouse stated she had seen McGraw for various medical issues and recounted uncomfortable comments made during examinations.
This ongoing situation at Fort Hood underscores broader issues within the Army regarding the handling of sexual misconduct allegations. As investigations continue, support for affected individuals remains crucial.
