Translate
Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth recently voiced his support for a bill that would criminalize sexual abuse under the guise of legitimate medical care.
SALEM, OR -- Today the Senate Judiciary Committee, on a unanimous vote, advanced SB 974 to the Senate Floor.
SB 974 establishes the crime of sexual assault by fraudulent representation for patients who are sexually abused by a healthcare professional during treatment. Under current Oregon law, medical professionals who commit sexual crimes against their patients under the guise of providing legitimate medical care cannot be criminally prosecuted.
SB 974 is sponsored by a bi-partisan group of Legislators including chief sponsors Sen. Mark Meek-D, Clackamas County; Sen. Kathleen Taylor-D, Milwaukie; Senate President Rob Wagner-D, Lake Oswego; and co-sponsors Sen. Tim Knopp-R, Bend; Sen. Bill Hansell-R, Athena; Sen. James Manning Jr.-D, Eugene; and Sen. Floyd Prozanski-D, Springfield & Eugene.
“SB 974 will protect the rights of sexual assault victims who were deceived into believing that improper sexual contact served a legitimate professional purpose and will hold health care professionals accountable when they take advantage of their patients’ vulnerabilities,” Sen. Meek told the committee.
Sen. Taylor also shared her support for SB 974, saying, “SB 974 is specifically tailored to hold healthcare professionals accountable for exploiting the inherent power and trust differential between a doctor and patient. If passed, SB 974 will protect the rights of sexual assault victims who were deceived into believing that improper sexual contact served a legitimate professional purpose.”
Drafted at the request of Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, the bill is meant to address an unintended loophole in Oregon’s sexual assault statutes relating to healthcare professionals. Wentworth shared with the committee that SB 974 “will remove a loophole for sexual abusers who use the guise of medical diagnosis or treatment to victimize patients and escape criminal liability,” he said.
SB 974 will move to the Senate Floor for a full vote before advancing to the House of Representatives for further consideration.