OB-GYN accused of sexual misconduct, removing fallopian tubes of patient without consent

RICHLAND, Wash. (WKRC) – A Washington woman alleges in a lawsuit that an OB-GYN performed a pelvic exam “in a sexual manner” and later removed her fallopian tubes without her knowledge or consent.

The woman, identified as J.P., is among dozens accusing Dr. Mark Mulholland of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct during medical exams, reports PEOPLE.

J.P. said she was referred to Mulholland in 2014 for removal of an ovarian cyst. During an exam, she alleges he made comments and touched her inappropriately.

“I felt violated,” she said to PEOPLE.

According to the complaint, Mulholland recommended surgery to remove her ovaries. J.P. underwent the procedure in December 2014.

More than a decade later, she said she obtained her medical records and discovered her fallopian tubes had also been removed without her consent, causing ongoing emotional distress.

Mulholland has not been charged with a crime. His attorney declined to comment to PEOPLE.

PEOPLE reports that the Washington Medical Commission has filed administrative charges accusing Mulholland of unprofessional conduct and sexual misconduct involving multiple patients. The case has expanded to include allegations from more than 10 patients, with additional complaints under review.

In September, the commission restricted Mulholland’s license, barring him from treating female patients pending a hearing scheduled for 2027.

A spokesperson said there are dozens of open cases.

“The Mulholland case is consistently in flux with complaints being received often,” the spokesperson said to PEOPLE.

Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where Mulholland practiced, said he is no longer employed and that it is cooperating with the investigation.

“We take our patients’ safety very seriously and are fully cooperating with the state in this matter,” a spokesperson said to PEOPLE.

Attorneys representing multiple women said the lawsuits seek accountability and changes to patient safety policies.

“The safeguards have to be there for everybody,” J.P. said. “And hopefully this will result in that.”