Class action looms over allegations against endometriosis doctor

A major law firm is considering launching a class action against Melbourne gynaecologist Dr Simon Gordon after being contacted by more than 120 women, including many who allege he performed unnecessary surgery on them.

This masthead this month revealed Gordon was under investigation by the medical regulator over allegations he had performed unnecessary endometriosis surgeries on women, including removing their ovaries and uterus, despite no clinical evidence justifying the procedures.

The federal health department has now launched an inquiry into his billing practices, it can be revealed.

Gordon has denied the allegations.

Epworth, the private hospital where Gordon was partly based, has commissioned an independent review and the Victorian government is under pressure from the federal government to order a wider investigation.

The case may also have ramifications for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which has confirmed it is reviewing its approach to investigating similar cases and the criteria it sets for intervention.

Emily Hart, a principal lawyer at Arnold Thomas & Becker, said the firm had been contacted by many women making complaints about Gordon, “many of whom underwent highly invasive surgeries they were told were necessary”.

“Based on our preliminary review it appears that a number of these procedures may not have been justified by their pathology results,” Hart said.

“Shockingly, a significant portion of these women are in their 20s – young women who were advised that the only option for relief was to remove their ovaries and, in some cases, their uterus. These surgeries have rendered some of them infertile, forcing them to face a lifetime of consequences that can never truly be compensated. For many, their lives have been permanently changed – physically, emotionally and psychologically.”

Gordon declined on Monday to comment when asked about the prospect of a class action.

When this masthead first revealed Gordon was under investigation by AHPRA, the gynaecologist issued a statement saying he had always acted ethically and responsibly.

“For generations, the pain suffered by women was ignored, downplayed and untreated,” Gordon said this month.

“My concern was to try and alleviate pain and restore quality of life for female patients, a cohort once neglected and dismissed.

“No surgeon can ever guarantee that every surgery performed will be totally successful or that there’s not a genuine risk of recurrence.”

AHPRA has appointed a panel of independent medical experts to support its investigation into Gordon, the agency said on Monday.

Arnold Thomas & Becker said it was considering individual and class action cases against Gordon. Law firm Maurice Blackburn has also received several inquiries.

Last Friday, this masthead told the story of Isabelle Metaxotos, who alleges she was told by Gordon that she would soon lose the ability to walk if her left ovary was not removed.

“He was so convincing. You trust the medical professional sitting in front of you,” Metaxotos said.

Gordon allegedly performed three endometriosis surgeries on Metaxotos, eventually removing her ovary and fallopian tube.

Two leading gynaecologists told this masthead the removals were likely unnecessary.

“It is a normal, working ovary and a normal fallopian tube,” one gynaecologist said. “This is shocking.”

Gordon said it was inappropriate to comment on individual patients. Speaking generally, he said diagnosing endometriosis was complex and relied on more than just lab testing. Adhesions caused by endometriosis could cause symptoms even when the endometriosis was inactive, he said.

The case has raised questions about the status of endometriosis treatment. The painful condition is characterised by tissue similar to the lining of the womb growing outside it, and for decades was underdiagnosed by doctors.

However, there are concerns media attention on the condition has swung the pendulum too far towards overtreatment – especially as there is evidence as many as 44 per cent of women have asymptomatic endometriosis, and due to the lack of high-quality evidence for surgical treatment.

In a statement, Epworth HealthCare chief executive Professor Andrew Stripp said the hospital referred the matter to AHPRA in October 2025 after concerns were raised with senior management.

“I understand the seriousness of the allegations being reported and recognise that for many people, particularly women who have experienced complex gynaecological care, this reporting will be deeply distressing,” Stripp said.

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