NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act Archives

Image: Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, by Jim.henderson – Own work, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons. Three former patients have filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against Brooklyn fertility specialist Dr. Richard Grazi, alleging that he subjected them to inappropriate breast and genital examinations while they were seeking help becoming pregnant, NBC New York reported. The civil complaint also names Maimonides Medical Center and Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine. The women, identified anonymously in the lawsuit, say the abuse occurred during medical appointments in the early 2000s, when they were between 18 and 23 years old. All three were members of Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community. According to an October 27 investigation by NBC New York, the women allege that Grazi performed prolonged examinations without gloves or a legitimate medical reason, sometimes without other medical personnel present. Grazi denies the allegations and has not been criminally charged. Patients Say Fertility Treatments Became Opportunities for Abuse The women sought Grazi's care because they were struggling to become pregnant. According to the complaint, Grazi allegedly used his medical authority to engage in unwanted touching while presenting his actions as necessary examinations. One former patient told NBC New York that Grazi's professional reputation and success helping women conceive made it difficult to question his conduct. She described a doctor who had earned considerable trust within the community, which she alleges he exploited. The lawsuit argues that the examinations were unrelated to legitimate fertility treatment and caused lasting emotional harm. Grazi's representatives rejected the accusations, maintaining that he treated patients professionally throughout his career. Maimonides Medical Center and Genesis Fertility Named In Litigation The lawsuit extends beyond the physician himself. Grazi previously served as director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility at Maimonides Medical Center. He also founded Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, a Brooklyn clinic offering fertility services. Both institutions are named as defendants. The complaint alleges that the organizations provided the professional authority, facilities and institutional support that allowed Grazi to gain patients' trust. It further contends that they knew or should have known about concerning behavior and failed to take appropriate action. Of particular interest is an earlier lawsuit filed by another physician in 2005. The new complaint references allegations of inappropriate behavior involving female patients and staff. The earlier litigation involved employment and professional disputes. Its existence doesn't establish the veracity of the current sexual abuse allegations. However, the plaintiffs contend that it is relevant to what the institutions may have known. Maimonides told NBC New York that it could not comment on active litigation. The hospital confirmed that Grazi is no longer an employee and does not have privileges there. Genesis did not provide a substantive response to the network's inquiries. Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in New York City Patients who experienced sexual misconduct during medical examinations may have grounds for civil claims against a physician, medical practice, hospital or other responsible institution. Learn about filing deadlines and legal options in our New York Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide. Survivors of gender-motivated sexual violence in New York City can also explore potential civil claims under the NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act, subject to the law's eligibility requirements and filing deadlines. Doctor Reportedly Retired, but Medical License Remains Active A receptionist at Genesis told NBC New York that Grazi retired in May 2026. Pinnacle Fertility, which subsequently established a professional relationship with Genesis, said Grazi's employment had ended before that arrangement began. The network also stated that it had no knowledge of allegations concerning his earlier conduct. Despite the lawsuit, Grazi remained licensed to practice medicine according to New York Department of Health records reviewed by NBC New York in late October. One plaintiff says she complained about his behavior to the state's Office of Professional Medical Conduct around 2010 or 2011. However, the state's public physician database does not show a substantiated disciplinary finding related to her reported complaint. The Health Department declined to discuss whether it had investigated the allegation, explaining that state confidentiality laws restrict the disclosure of physician complaints and investigations. Can Former Patients Still Pursue Sexual Abuse Claims? The allegations involve medical appointments from more than two decades ago, making filing deadlines an important issue. The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office told NBC New York that the alleged conduct described in the lawsuit falls outside the applicable criminal statute of limitations. That doesn't necessarily eliminate the possibility of civil litigation. The women are pursuing their claims under New York City's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Act, which has provided certain survivors with opportunities to bring civil lawsuits involving older allegations. The availability of that law depends on the circumstances of each case, including filing dates and applicable legal requirements. The lawsuit also illustrates why institutional responsibility can be important in medical sexual abuse cases. Beyond the conduct of an individual physician, courts may be asked to examine whether a hospital or medical practice ignored complaints, failed to supervise staff or otherwise allowed inappropriate conduct to continue. For patients who believe a medical examination crossed the line into sexual misconduct, relevant evidence may include treatment records, appointment histories, communications with medical staff and previous complaints.

NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act

Brooklyn Fertility Doctor Accused of Sexual Abuse in Lawsuit, Maimonides Medical Center Also Named

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NYC Gender Motivated Violence Act

Brooklyn Fertility Doctor Accused of Sexual Abuse in Lawsuit, Maimonides Medical Center Also Named

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