Macy v. Blatchford

Danita Macy (plaintiff) was a patient of Dr. Douglas Blatchford (defendant). In June 1992, Blatchford removed Danita’s left ovary and fallopian tube following Danita’s complaints about pelvic pain. Danita continued to suffer pelvic pain and agreed to Blatchford’s suggestion to remove her right ovary, her fallopian tube, and her uterus. Blatchford performed the surgery in August 1992. Following this surgery, Danita continued to suffer from pelvic pain and also began suffering from pain in her side and her back. Danita consulted another physician, who determined that Danita’s left ureter was obstructed, believing that Blatchford had inadvertently stapled Danita’s ureter during the June 1992 surgery. Danita sued Blatchford for negligence in stapling her ureter. Danita also alleged that Blatchford had been negligent in recommending the August 1992 surgery and that Blatchford had failed to obtain Danita’s informed consent for the August 1992 surgery by neglecting to advise her of other medical options. Danita submitted a motion to amend her complaint to include an allegation that Blatchford had been negligent in continuing to treat Danita after Blatchford and Danita entered into a sexual relationship. The trial court excluded evidence of the sexual relationship, and the court of appeals agreed. Danita appealed, arguing that the sexual relationship was relevant to her allegation that Blatchford had been negligent in recommending that Danita undergo the August 1992 surgery and to the allegation that Blatchford had failed to obtain informed consent.