Columbia University OB/GYN Robert Hadden Sentenced in Decades-Long Abuse Case

A culture of silence at Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital enabled decades of sexual abuse by former OB/GYN Robert Hadden, according to a recently released independent report. Hadden was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison in July 2023 for sexually assaulting dozens of women beginning in the 1980s and continuing through 2012 [1].

Report Details Systemic Failures

The external investigation, commissioned by Columbia University and New-York Presbyterian Hospital, revealed significant systemic failures that protected Hadden from accountability. Key findings included ineffective medical chaperoning, barriers to reporting misconduct, a culture that suppressed or discouraged reporting, a lack of formal reporting procedures and insufficient record-keeping [2]. These failures allowed Hadden to continue practicing despite a 2012 arrest on state sex crimes charges.

Survivors Speak Out

Former patients have expressed outrage over the findings and the length of time it took for accountability. Laurie Kanyok, a survivor who testified in Hadden’s 2023 federal trial, described the university’s response as “just another ingredient in their stew of cover up and deception.” Evelyn Yang, another former patient, criticized the $100 million survivors settlement fund and the university’s promise to improve training and protocols as “extremely inadequate” and “the bare minimum.”

University Response and Leadership Changes

Columbia University has established a $100 million settlement fund for survivors and has settled with over a thousand former patients for over a billion dollars. Following the release of the report, two prominent university leaders have stepped down. However, Yang argues that the scope of the investigation was insufficient, failing to address the silencing and intimidation tactics experienced by survivors and advocates after Hadden’s initial arrest.

Ongoing Investigations

In addition to the independent investigation, the New York State Attorney General is currently investigating Columbia University’s handling of sex abuse claims. Survivors hope this investigation will lead to greater accountability.

Robert Hadden’s Career and Crimes

Robert Hadden, born in 1958 or 1959, received his MD from New York Medical College in 1987 [1]. He began practicing as an obstetrician-gynecologist in 1991 and was an assistant professor at Columbia University until 2014. Hadden was employed by Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and other clinics. He was first accused of sexual assault in 2012 and indicted in 2014 for sexual assault charges involving six women [1]. He performed assaults under the guise of medical examinations, leading victims to believe they were part of standard procedure [1]. His victims included pregnant women and underage girls [1].