Woman Denied Rape Kit Sues St. David’s Hospital And Doctor

A woman who was denied a rape kit and sexual assault exam at St. David’s Hospital in Travis County is suing both the hospital and the doctor who refused to see her. She is being represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project.

According to the med mal lawsuit, the woman came to the hospital to request an exam and to collect DNA in the wake of a sexual assault. However, the doctor who saw her said that she could not be examined until after she reported the rape incident to police. The victim, who did not receive a rape kit and examination, now worries that her case against the man who raped her will be in jeopardy because of lack of evidence.

St. David’s Hospital has released a statement regarding the lawsuit saying that they fully support the law that requires hospitals to provide women with sexual assault examinations whether or not a crime has been reported. They also stated that they believe that their staff both understands that law and follows that law.