A civil lawsuit filed this week in California has revealed disturbing allegations against Dr. Scott Lee, the only full-time gynecologist at the California Institution for Women in Chino. The lawsuit, brought forth by six women, claims that Dr. Lee has been abusing his patients over the past seven years, subjecting them to inappropriate and painful medical procedures.
According to the complaint filed in the Central District of California federal court, the 70-year-old physician treated hundreds of women at the high-security facility since 2016. The lawsuit accuses prison officials and medical staff of failing to act on multiple complaints against Dr. Lee, allowing the alleged abuse to continue unchecked.
Dr. Lee has not publicly responded to the allegations, and it remains unclear if he has legal representation. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has faced scrutiny in recent years due to numerous civil lawsuits alleging systemic sexual violence within its facilities. In September, the U.S. Department of Justice announced investigations into the Chino prison and another facility in Chowchilla for civil rights violations related to sexual abuse.
A spokesperson for the CDCR stated that while they cannot comment on personnel matters, Dr. Lee no longer has direct contact with patients. The allegations detailed in the lawsuit paint a grim picture of the treatment these women received. The plaintiffs describe experiences of abusive pap smears, coerced examinations, and retaliation for those who resisted Dr. Lee’s advances, including withholding medical treatment.
The women, referred to as Jane Does in court documents, expressed fear of retaliation, which led them to remain anonymous. They share a common background of having been victims of domestic violence prior to their incarceration. Each woman has alleged that Dr. Lee’s actions caused them significant emotional and physical distress.
One plaintiff, known as Jane Doe #1, recounted a harrowing experience during a visit for a skin condition. Despite signing a form to decline a pelvic exam, Dr. Lee allegedly forced his fingers inside her, causing severe pain. Another woman, Jane Doe #4, who was pregnant at the time, described a checkup where Dr. Lee’s actions left her feeling frightened for her unborn child.
The lawsuit highlights a pattern of abusive behavior, with multiple women reporting similar experiences during their medical appointments. One plaintiff, Jane Doe #2, reported that Dr. Lee reacted with anger when she refused a pap smear, despite having undergone a hysterectomy. Another, Jane Doe #3, described being coerced into receiving an invasive intrauterine device instead of the birth control she requested.
The situation came to light after Jane Doe #1 began speaking with other inmates about their experiences with Dr. Lee. Her efforts culminated in a town hall meeting where numerous women shared their stories, prompting a call for action against the alleged misconduct.
The lawsuit claims that the CDCR and its executives should have recognized warning signs regarding Dr. Lee’s behavior, citing previous complaints and a prior lawsuit from an inmate alleging a botched procedure that resulted in injury.
As the allegations against Dr. Lee unfold, they add to a troubling history of sexual violence within California’s women’s prisons. Advocates and former officials are calling for urgent reforms to address these systemic issues and ensure the safety and dignity of incarcerated women.