More than 500 women, predominantly Black, have filed a massive lawsuit against Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Virginia, each seeking $10 million in damages. The women claim they were subjected to unnecessary reproductive procedures by former OB-GYN Javaid Perwaiz, who is currently serving a 59-year prison sentence for Medicaid fraud related to these operations.
The lawsuit alleges that Perwaiz performed C-sections, hysterectomies, and tubal ligations without patient consent, often on women still within childbearing years. Most procedures were covered by Medicaid, with the hospital receiving approximately $18.5 million in reimbursements from healthcare benefit programs between 2010 and 2019.
Dracena Holloway, a 42-year-old mother of seven from Portsmouth, described how Perwaiz falsely diagnosed her with fibroids and cancer, ultimately removing her uterus. He also performed a tubal ligation during a C-section for twins without her knowledge. Another victim reported that Perwaiz told her family she had cancer and performed a hysterectomy, though no cancer existed.
The case highlights ongoing medical disparities affecting Black women, particularly in maternal health. Damali Campbell-Oparaji, an associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, emphasizes the broader implications: “When left unaddressed, poor maternal health can create a ripple effect on families and reduce women’s productivity at home and work.” She encourages patients to ask questions and bring support persons to medical appointments.
See: “Modern Day Eugenics? Billion-Dollar Suit Alleges Virginia Hospital Profited From Mass Forced Sterilizations of Black Women” (January 2, 2026)
