More than 55 women have come forward with serious allegations against Major Blaine McGraw, an Army OB-GYN, prompting scrutiny of how the Army has handled claims of misconduct. The accusations involve inappropriate touching and unauthorized recording of patients at military hospitals in Texas and Hawaii. As the number of accusers continues to grow, concerns are mounting regarding the Army’s response, including why it did not take action sooner and whether earlier complaints were ignored.
McGraw was assigned to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood and previously worked at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. On October 17, 2023, he was suspended after a patient discovered photographs taken during a sensitive medical examination. Following this report, the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) initiated an investigation.
Allegations from attorneys representing the women indicate that McGraw’s misconduct has persisted for years, with similar patterns observed at both Fort Hood and Tripler. These claims have raised serious questions about the oversight mechanisms in place within the Army’s medical facilities. Andrew Cobos, an attorney for the women, stated that they had placed their trust in the military, but felt their concerns were repeatedly overlooked.
The Army has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. A statement released on November 10 mentioned that notification letters were sent to every patient treated by McGraw at CRDAMC, which included over 1,400 women. However, recipients reported that the letters lacked clarity regarding the nature of the allegations and potential risks, leading to confusion among those affected.
Many patients expressed frustration with the Army’s outreach efforts. Some described the communication as cold and lacking guidance, with many receiving only general contact information for the CID or the hospital. Reports emerged of long wait times and inadequate support during CID interviews, with one woman reportedly leaving in tears after being shown photos taken without her consent.
The CID has stated that its agents are trained to conduct trauma-informed interviews and that victims were provided with initial information handouts. Yet, the allegations point to troubling patterns of behavior, with several women who had seen McGraw at Tripler recognizing similar conduct at Fort Hood. These included unnecessary examinations and invasive procedures carried out without clear medical justification.
Former personnel from Tripler have come forward, indicating that concerns about McGraw’s actions were not new. The Army has not disclosed whether any internal reviews were initiated during his time in Hawaii or whether previous complaints were forwarded to Fort Hood upon his transfer. Publicly, the Army has remained largely silent on whether any concerns were raised before October 17, or if any other patients had previously reported similar misconduct.
The lawsuit against McGraw alleges that he recorded patients without their consent and conducted inappropriate examinations. It suggests systemic failures within the Army’s medical system, highlighting that chaperones, including nurses and husbands, were not allowed in the examination rooms during appointments with McGraw, which raises significant concerns about oversight.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the allegations extend beyond a single individual. Cobos has emphasized that the women involved are not just alleging misconduct but are highlighting a broader systemic failure at multiple levels within the Army’s medical institutions, from reporting mechanisms to accountability measures.
As of now, McGraw has not been charged with any crimes and is presumed innocent under military law. The CID has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation, but Cobos mentioned that his firm continues to receive calls from former patients seeking answers and support.
This troubling case not only raises questions about individual accountability but also calls for a thorough examination of how the Army addresses allegations of misconduct within its ranks. As more women come forward, the need for clarity and justice in this matter remains critical.
