Jane Doe 105 accuses Dr. Mark Mulholland of removing her fallopian tubes without her knowledge; Providence and Kadlec ignored her complaints

SEATTLE - Jane Doe 105 is the latest to file a new lawsuit amid mounting allegations against Dr. Mark Mulholland, a Tri-Cities OB-GYN who practiced for over 20 years at Providence St. Joseph Health and Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Ms. Doe is represented by Elizabeth Hanley and Julie Kline of Seattle’s Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, alongside Tamara Holder of Tamara Holder Law in Chicago.

Jane Doe 105 met Mulholland after being admitted to Kadlec Hospital in 2016 due to severe concerns around her pregnancy, including hypertension and pre-eclampsia, which compromised both her and her unborn child’s health and safety.

Ms. Doe recalls a nurse suggesting tubal ligation as her medical team prepared to deliver her baby via caesarean section. She was reassured that a tubal ligation, more commonly known as “getting your tubes tied” was an entirely reversible procedure, as Ms. Doe had expressly stated she was interested in growing her family further following this pregnancy.

During the procedure, Ms. Doe recalls hearing a nurse over the privacy curtain ask Mulholland why he was performing the tubal ligation in that manner – Mulholland responded, “Insurance pays more this way.”

Following the procedure, Ms. Doe experienced severe complications, including irregular periods, hot flashes, and extreme fatigue, all symptoms consistent with menopause and not expected after a standard caesarean section or tubal ligation.

Nearly ten years later in 2024, Ms. Doe was ready to continue growing her family. After meeting with a fertility specialist, Ms. Doe and her husband’s worlds were turned upside down. The specialist informed them that she would not be able to reverse her tubal ligation, as Mulholland had entirely removed her fallopian tubes. Ms. Doe was left sterilized against her will by Mulholland.

Ms. Doe complained to the hospital, but her complaints were ignored.

“Mulholland’s conduct in this case is unconscionable,” said Hanley. “He took away our client’s right to decide if and when to grow her family, a fundamental right that belongs to every woman. This is not just malpractice; it’s a profound abuse of trust. Providence and Kadlec had every opportunity to stop him, yet they failed, again, to protect their patients.”

Holder added, “This case reveals how a healthcare institution gave a male doctor unfettered power over and access over hundreds of female patients’ bodies over dozens of years. Due to Mulholland’s alleged abuse, our client now lives with the irreversible consequences. We will not rest until we have held every person and institution accountable for turning a blind eye to Mulholland’s conduct.”

Jane Doe 105’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating the Washington Law Against Discrimination, corporate negligence by the hospitals, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

If you or someone you know has information about Mark Mulholland or the institutions where he worked, please reach out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the amount of time to come forward is limited.

To learn more about the firms’ work representing survivors of abuse and discrimination, visit: sgb-law.com or tamaraholderlaw.com.