Last November, the Parisian gynecologist specializing in endometriosis Emile Daraï was indicted for “willful violence” after at least 32 complaints from patients who accused him of having carried out examinations brutally and without asking their consent. But on January 18, the investigating chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal overturned the provisions of the order of the examining magistrate which prohibited him within the framework of his judicial control from providing gynecological consultations private, reveals France Infothis Wednesday, February 1.
Petition against gynecologist Emile Daraï: “Leaving his office, I can barely walk. I feel like I was raped”
Since his indictment and his placement under judicial supervision, Emile Daraï could only conduct public consultations (reimbursed by Social Security) with the presence of a third party. He will now be able to carry out private consultations. “An incomprehensible decision”, castigates Sonia Bicsh, spokesperson for the Stop Obstetrical and Gynecological Violence (VOG) who reacts to this decision with “Obs”.
What message does this decision send to complainants?
Once again, patients are not believed and their safety is not guaranteed. There are plenty of people who can suspend it in the high authorities and who do not: the AP-HP, the ARS, the Order of Physicians, the management of the Tenon hospital, the National Center for management of hospital practitioners… So yes there is the presumption of innocence and the work of justice in progress, but there is also the precautionary principle and the Hippocratic oath which says: “first do no harm”. If 32 criminal complaints are not enough to suspend a professional, what is? What is the medical order for? What are all these high health authorities that are supposed to guarantee patient safety for?
We are told that the decision is motivated by the presence of a third party during the private consultations. However, this is not mandatory. And the presence of third parties does not guarantee the safety of the patients: all the testimonies that we have received and which caused this affair to burst come precisely from third parties, often students. It is difficult for them to oppose a doctor.
“The rectal examination without consent is his signature”: investigation into sexual violence at Tenon hospital
You are launching a petition for the suspension of Emile Daraï which has already collected more than 21,000 signatures. Have you planned other actions?
We think about it. We have already organized two rallies in front of the Tenon hospital. But we would like politicians to take it up, for the Minister of Health to take a stand, for there to be questions from deputies in the National Assembly… Last week, the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians issued recommendations for “restore trust” of the French. Let them speak then!
All these people who have budgets, the power to change things, who have fine speeches at the level of com… They should act. We can continue to make rallies in front of Tenon, petitions and press releases but we don’t have the power to change things.
In the meantime, what to say to women who may be afraid to consult a gynecologist when it is essential?
Currently, I understand that women are afraid given the inaction of high health authorities when there is a potential danger. Their safety is absolutely not guaranteed during gynecological consultations. In 2018, a report by the High Council for Gender Equality pointed to systemic obstetric violence. And since then, no action has been taken!
After the controversy over his visit, gynecologist Emile Daraï, accused of rape, cancels his visit to a congress
That’s what we’re fighting for, it’s a matter of public health. People who are abused no longer trust professionals. Recently, we published the testimony of a woman abused 25 years ago who still hasn’t returned to the gynecologist since she has to have her IUD removed…
However, there is a participatory directory, Gyn & co with health professionals who are said to be “safe”, who have been recommended by patients.
