When new dads think about pregnancy and childbirth, they may consider how they can support their partner through the process and how to care for a new baby. What they may not consider are the tremendous risks that come with giving birth, which include both birth trauma and gynecological abuse.
The horrible actions of Dr. Barry Brock have brought these dangers to the public consciousness, including the devastating impacts of sexual assault in the OB/GYN industry. Fathers everywhere need to understand how to advocate for their partners, including the possibility of pursuing legal action on behalf of their families. This article will explore the impact of Dr. Barry Brock’s predatory behavior and discuss ways that men can fight this abusive behavior, both in the courtroom and in everyday life.
Who Is Dr. Barry Brock?
Barry Brock is an obstetrician-gynecologist formerly employed by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He has been accused of abusing hundreds of patients over several decades, with the first allegations dating back to the early 2000s.
His abusive practices ranged from inappropriate touching during pelvic exams to adding extra sutures when sewing women up after childbirth in order to make the woman “virgin-tight.” Rather than increasing pleasure for both parties during intercourse, these extra stitches can lead to serious pain and tearing during sex, as well as increasing the risk of urogenital dysfunction.
Dr. Brock also endangered newborns by using unnecessary vacuum extractions while delivering babies. Vacuum extraction is an assisted birthing technique that uses suction, in coordination with contraction, to help bring the baby out of the birth canal when labor has stalled. This is a risky procedure, and when done incorrectly, it can lead to vaginal tears or fracture of the baby’s skull.
In other instances, Dr. Brock did not provide adequate pain relief or touched patients without gloves on, forced them to undress in front of him, and did not suggest that a chaperone be present to help make patients more comfortable.
Dr. Barry Brock Is a Symptom of a Greater Problem in the Medical Industry
Unfortunately, Dr. Brock is not the only obstetrician-gynecologist who has abused his authority to harm those under his care. A 2023 report from ProPublica found that Robert Hadden of Columbia University had been accused of assaulting his patients multiple times, even performing oral sex on one postpartum patient while claiming he was checking her stitches. After the patient called the police and Hadden was arrested, Columbia University let Hadden continue practicing medicine for five weeks. During that time, he assaulted eight more patients.
Both Dr. Brock and Dr. Hadden were well-respected doctors at prestigious institutions, which gave them an aura of untouchability. Even after allegations poured in about their predatory behavior, their hospitals continued to allow them access to vulnerable individuals until a public outcry—and personal injury attorneys—forced them to act.
Men need to step up and be there for their loved ones, challenging the toxic masculinity that enables these unspeakable crimes. By redefining masculinity as a positive force for change, new fathers can be role models while guiding their spouses through the chaos that trauma can bring.
Men Can Be Advocates and Allies for Their Partners
The harm that Dr. Brock has done to women and families is unimaginable. Women who have suffered medical trauma may no longer trust men, even their husbands, and may suffer from depression or PTSD.
However, fathers encourage healing by taking action along with their partners, such as through lawsuits. Passionate personal injury lawyers have brought the OB/GYN Barry Brock lawsuit to demand compensation for over a hundred women harmed by Dr. Brock, and it is only one of many fighting against abusive medical practices.
The first step is to believe your partner when they complain of medical misogyny or abuse. Encourage them to call the police and speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. By promising to support them throughout the journey, you can give your loved one the strength necessary to pursue justice. Learn as much as you can about civil law, and attend meetings with your partner as moral support.
Much as law firms work to reduce the stress of a lawsuit on the victims, processing trauma is difficult and can put a lot of stress on families. This is particularly true when new parents are struggling to adjust to their roles as providers. Interpersonal violence doesn’t just happen to the victim; it impacts their entire social system, including their spouses and children.
As such, don’t be afraid to seek mental health support for yourself, too. Processing your feelings of anger and disgust away from your partner means that you can be a shoulder for them to cry on while prioritizing what they need.
Legal Help Is Available for Victims and Their Families
Dr. Barry Brock’s actions have caused tragic ripple effects throughout hundreds of patients and their families, exposing the dark underbelly of the gynecology industry. Men and their loved ones must understand they can hold men like Barry Brock accountable through civil litigation in addition to criminal charges.
If you suspect medical abuse, don’t be afraid to speak up. Be a victim advocate, showing that you’re an ally to the women you love. With the help of supportive men and America’s legal system, we can change the narrative around sexual assault and create healthier families free from abuse.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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