Utah Judge Tosses Some Charges in OB-GYN Sexual Abuse Case, But Dozens Still Remain

A Utah judge recently dismissed some criminal charges against an OB-GYN accused of sexually abusing his patients, but the physician still faces more than two dozen felony counts as the case continues through the courts, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. The developments highlight both the complexity of prosecuting alleged medical sexual abuse and the persistence of survivors seeking justice.

Background: Allegations Against Dr. David Broadbent

David Broadbent, a longtime OB-GYN in Provo, Utah, has been accused by hundreds of former patients of inappropriate and harmful contact during medical examinations. Prosecutors charged him with object rape and forcible sexual abuse in connection with reports from multiple patients, including alleged instances where he touched their genitals in ways they say were unnecessary and abusive.

At a preliminary hearing, defense attorneys sought to dismiss some charges, arguing prosecutors had not adequately demonstrated that the doctor’s alleged actions were intended to cause pain or sexual gratification, rather than part of medical care.

What the Judge Ruled

During the hearing, a judge dismissed five object rape charges against Broadbent after deciding prosecutors had not shown enough evidence that he placed his fingers inside certain patients in the manner required for those specific counts. Despite the dismissals, Broadbent still faces more than two dozen felony charges, and the case remains active as it moves forward to later hearings.

Prosecutors highlighted expert testimony about the allegedly inappropriate nature of the touched exams — arguing the conduct went beyond what was medically necessary. The judge declined to fully accept defense arguments that what occurred was simply part of Broadbent’s medical practice.

Complexities Around Medical Abuse Allegations

Cases involving alleged sexual misconduct by medical professionals are often legally complex. They require prosecutors to distinguish between legitimate medical care and conduct that crosses the line into abuse. Defense attorneys frequently assert that touching or exams were medically necessary, creating legal debates around intent and purpose.

In the Broadbent case, the court’s decision to dismiss some counts underscores the challenges prosecutors face when trying to meet the legal standards for certain sexual abuse charges, particularly in medical contexts where physical contact is part of treatment.

Survivors Seek Justice Beyond Criminal Court

While criminal charges aim to punish wrongdoing and protect the public, they may not fully address the harm experienced by survivors of alleged abuse. Many survivors in cases like these may pursue civil legal action, which focuses on the harm they suffered, rather than solely on criminal guilt.

Civil claims can provide a means to seek compensation for:

• Emotional distress and trauma

• Medical or counseling costs

• Lost income or life opportunities

• Other long-term effects of abuse

In addition, civil litigation can uncover patterns of alleged misconduct and institutional failures that might otherwise remain hidden, offering survivors both acknowledgment and a forum for accountability.

Why This Matters to Survivors in New York

Though this case originates in Utah, its implications resonate across the country — including in New York. Survivors in NY have faced similar challenges when alleged abuse occurred in medical settings, particularly when institutional or professional oversight failed to prevent harm.

New York law allows survivors of sexual abuse, including abuse by healthcare providers, to pursue civil legal remedies even many years after the conduct occurred, recognizing the long-term impact of trauma and the reality that many survivors delay disclosure.

Civil Legal Options for Survivors in NY

For survivors seeking justice beyond criminal proceedings, civil lawsuits can be a powerful tool. These claims may be pursued against:

• The individual alleged to have caused harm

• Medical practices or clinics

• Hospitals or health systems

• Other entities whose negligence contributed to the abuse

Civil actions can help provide financial resources for healing and can also drive broader institutional changes to prevent similar abuses in the future.

Legal Support for Survivors in New York

Survivors of medical and institutional abuse deserve compassionate, knowledgeable legal support. At Survivors of Abuse NY, Thomas Giuffra, Esq. provides trauma-informed representation to individuals pursuing civil claims under New York law.

Thomas Giuffra, Esq. helps survivors understand their rights, evaluate legal options, and pursue accountability against those who harmed them or failed to protect them — while prioritizing dignity, confidentiality, and empowerment.

Moving Forward With Accountability and Healing

The ongoing legal proceedings against Dr. Broadbent — including the dismissal of some charges and continuation of many others — demonstrate both the difficulties and the importance of pursuing accountability in complex abuse cases. For survivors, whether in Utah, New York, or elsewhere, legal avenues exist that can help acknowledge their experiences, offer a sense of justice, and support their recovery.

Source:

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2026/01/13/utah-doctor-david-broadbent-sees/