Columbia University agrees to $165 million settlement with 147 former patients of OB-GYN Robert Hadden

Columbia University announced a $165 million settlement Friday with 147 women who said former gynecologist Robert Hadden committed sexual abuse and misconduct while he was their doctor. 

The funds from the settlement will be distributed by a special master agreed to by the parties. The agreement follows a separate $71.5 million settlement reached in 2021 by another 79 former patients of Hadden, who was affiliated with the university hospital for nearly 20 years.

The Columbia University Irving Medical Center said in a statement that it has adopted policies to ensure patients "are protected and empowered while in our care."