Chaperones won’t stop abuse

Regarding the op-ed “How do we stop sexual misconduct in health care?” by Dr. Emmet Hirsch (Oct. 11): The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ recommendation that chaperones be present for all genital, breast and rectal exams is not a solution to prevent sexual abuse by doctors. Chaperones such as nurses and medical assistants, if they are employed by the doctor or medical facility, are there to benefit the doctor by reducing liability and defending doctors when they are accused of sexual abuse or other inappropriate behavior.

Consider the case of Dr. James Heaps, a renowned gynecologic oncologist who was charged with sexual abuse. Ellen Cater, one of his accusers, said his female chaperones turned a blind eye to the abuse she endured, as reported in an article in Elle.

Cater stated in the lawsuit: “I assumed having another woman in the room meant they were there to protect me from things like this. So I told myself, ‘They approve of it, so he must know what he’s doing.’ ”

The root of this problem is male doctors performing intimate procedures on women. Only female practitioners should perform intimate procedures on female patients.

Before modern medicine was invented, only midwives were present for sensitive exams and childbirth. When medical schools were founded, male doctors began to perform intimate procedures on women. Medical schools originally would not admit women, and this is why gynecologists were male for many years.

Only women should have been allowed to be gynecologists from the beginning. Dr. John Smith, a former gynecologist, shared in his book “Women and Doctors” that after years of medical education and clinical gynecological experience, he believes men should not be gynecologists.

I encourage everyone to check out my organization’s YouTube videos and the article “Why Women Should Avoid Male Doctors For Intimate Female Health Issues?” Be sure to check out the sources section at the bottom of the article.

The best way for all women to prevent sexual abuse in medical settings is to avoid male medical professionals for intimate procedures.

— Misty Roberts, president, Medical Patient Modesty