Doctor Accused of Raping 20-Year-Old Woman During Abortion Procedure

The court proceedings continue this week for a Bahamian doctor accused of raping a 20-year-old woman during an abortion procedure last year. Dr. Gerald Mark Forbes, 47, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which also include indecent assault.

According to The Tribune, the victim was employed at Forbes' Carico Medical Clinic in Freeport. She told police that the doctor informed her she'd need to undergo a physical exam to work at the clinic. On February 15, 2015, he allegedly "rubbed her vagina and masturbated" while performing an examination on the victim.

Two weeks later, the victim told police, she found out she was pregnant and asked the doctor if he could terminate the pregnancy. He agreed—and allegedly raped her during the procedure.

In addition to her statement, the victim also gave police a package of Methotrexate, which she said Forbes gave to her. Methotrexate can be used to induce medical abortions in early pregnancies. When questioned by police about the allegations, Forbes, who practices family medicine and minor surgery, told detectives he had "nothing to say."

He also refused to comment on whether he owed the victim any salary for time worked.

"I have information that the complainant contacted you on WhatsApp about a $100 balance for her salary, and you told her that you don't owe her anything because of the medication," lead detective Lenicka Scott told the accused during an interview last year. "The virtual complainant informed you that she will not return to work because she was uncomfortable that you violated her, and you said you were sorry she felt that way and you told her to still come in for follow-up and medication."

James Owens, a spokesperson for NARAL Pro-Choice America, tells Broadly, "These allegations are deeply disturbing and, if true, should be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. No woman should ever fear for her safety when trying to access basic health care. Just like other common medical procedures, abortion remains a safe and vital part of basic health care."

It's not the first time Forbes has been in legal trouble. According to The Freeport News, he saw charges in 2007 for soliciting an 18-year-old girl and in 2010 for raping a female colleague.