A Manhattan gynecologist, Robert Hadden, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for sexually assaulting his patients during examinations. Hadden, 64, was convicted in January of abusing four patients during his time at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, two prestigious hospitals in New York. The sentencing came after Hadden heard how he had abused vulnerable and trusting patients for over two decades, from the late 1980s until 2012. The case involved at least 245 women, with testimonies from nine victims and additional statements from five others. U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman described the crimes as "outrageous, horrific, beyond extraordinary, depraved sexual abuse," and called Hadden a "clear danger to others, especially women."

During the sentencing hearing, Hadden stood before the judge with his hands folded and expressed his remorse, saying, "I'm very sorry for all the pain that I have caused." He sobbed and wiped tears from his eyes as he made his statement. However, the judge noted that Hadden had not fully accepted responsibility for his actions and still exhibited the same sexual disorders that led to his abusive behavior. Prosecutors had asked for a 25-year sentence, while Hadden's defense lawyers argued for three years.

The trial revealed that Hadden had lured out-of-state patients to New York to abuse them, taking advantage of their trust and vulnerability. Many of his victims were pregnant, had physical problems, or had never seen another gynecologist before, making them particularly vulnerable to his abuse. Hadden would groom his patients in a private office, engaging them in personal conversations and displaying pictures of his children. However, once the chaperone or nurse left the room, he would sexually assault them with ungloved fingers, orally, and in some cases, fondle their breasts. The victims described feeling fear and betrayal as they realized they were being violated by the person they had trusted with their medical care.

Hadden's abuse came to light when Evelyn Yang, the wife of former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, revealed that she was sexually assaulted by Hadden while she was seven months pregnant. Yang's courage in speaking out prompted other victims to come forward, resulting in a total of more than 200 lawsuits against Hadden and the hospitals involved. The institutions, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, have agreed to pay over $236 million to settle civil claims by the victims.

While Hadden had previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to charges involving a smaller number of women, he received no jail time and was required to surrender his medical license. The recent federal conviction and sentencing mark a significant step towards justice for his victims. The survivors were commended for their bravery in coming forward and holding Hadden accountable for his actions. The case has also highlighted the need for improved oversight and safeguards in the medical profession to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.