The Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC), a national nonprofit dedicated to representing sexual assault survivors, has joined McGrath Kavinoky LLP in asking the California Court of Appeal to protect the confidential medical records of women pursuing civil lawsuits against former Cedars-Sinai OB/GYN Dr. Barry J. Brock.

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The legal dispute stems from a trial court order that would allow Cedars-Sinai to obtain plaintiffs' complete, unredacted medical records, including information unrelated to the allegations against Brock, such as reproductive, mental health, and sexual history records. McGrath Kavinoky LLP previously filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate challenging the order, and the Court of Appeal has temporarily stayed its enforcement while reviewing the case.

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In seeking permission to file an amicus brief, VRLC argues that California privacy law does not require survivors to surrender their entire medical history simply because they file a civil lawsuit. The organization warns that broad disclosure of sensitive records could discourage survivors from reporting abuse and pursuing legal remedies, while also creating a precedent that could affect future sexual abuse litigation involving healthcare institutions.

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McGrath Kavinoky LLP says the case raises significant questions about balancing discovery with patient privacy. Hundreds of women have accused Brock of sexual misconduct during medical examinations. Brock surrendered his California medical license in 2025, denies the allegations, and has not been criminally charged. The Court of Appeal has not yet decided whether it will hear the petition.

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Source: The National Law Review

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