NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Dozens of women who endured agonizing fertility procedures with little to no pain relief have settled their lawsuits against Yale University’s fertility clinic, according to several news sources including The Associated Press. The lawsuits stem from an incident where a nurse stole fentanyl, a potent painkiller, and replaced it with saline, leaving patients without proper anesthesia during their treatments.
Patients and their lawyers announced the settlements Monday, but they didn’t release specifics, only stating that it included significant financial compensation.
“What should have been a hopeful and joyous time … turned into a traumatic experience,” said Soryorelis Henry, one of the plaintiffs, during the press conference. “No one should ever have to endure what we went through. My hope is that this case leads to systemic changes and ensures no other patient experiences such suffering.”
According to The Associated Press, Yale said in a statement that the agreement “allows both parties to move forward and begin healing,” adding that it has instituted new safeguards since discovering the nurse’s actions, including more training and supervision.
