Robert Hadden, a former obstetrician/gynecologist who was employed by Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), was convicted in July 2023 in federal court of sexually abusing patients and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which he is currently serving. In a 2016 agreement between Hadden and the Manhattan District Attorney, he pled guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor and lost his medical license, though he served no jail time at that time. Hadden left Columbia in 2012 and has not worked as a doctor since. 

The University is implementing a multi-pronged plan to support survivors and address the abuse, harm, and trauma they have suffered. As part of this plan, Columbia notified former Hadden patients of his conviction and sentencing; informed them of their rights; and offered them the opportunity to participate in a Survivors’ Settlement Fund.

Settlement Fund

In February 2024, Columbia University launched a $100 million Survivors’ Settlement Fund. Columbia University is extending the deadline to submit a claim to the Survivors’ Settlement Fund to April 15, 2026, to provide additional time for former patients of Robert Hadden to apply to the fund.

The University has settled claims with hundreds of survivors of Hadden’s abuse through settlement funds. 

External Investigation

Columbia has asked a respected outside investigator to determine the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue for so long; to establish a process for survivors and others with knowledge of Hadden’s abuse to share their stories with the investigator; and to issue public findings. The external investigation is ongoing, and the University does not control its timing. When the investigator has completed their investigation, the report of their findings will be posted on this website.