European Court Mandates Sweden to Investigate Historical Sperm Theft Cases
European Court orders Sweden to investigate past sperm theft cases, allowing victims to seek justice.
Key Points
- • European Court mandates investigation of historical sperm theft cases in Sweden.
- • Bengt Wernersson discovered unauthorized use of his sperm through a DNA test.
- • Statute of limitations is now deemed to start upon discovery of a violation.
- • Centrum för rättvisa plans to seek damages for affected individuals.
In a groundbreaking decision, the European Court of Human Rights has mandated that Sweden must review cases of unauthorized sperm use at a fertility clinic in Halmstad. This ruling directly impacts cases dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, allowing victims to finally seek justice despite previous statute of limitations barriers.
The case came to light after Bengt Wernersson, one of the complainants, discovered in February 2023 that his sperm had been used without his consent to inseminate an unknown woman. He learned this shocking news nearly 33 years later, prompting him and another affected individual, Zdravko Paic, to file complaints against Sweden, alleging violations of their human rights.
The European Court's ruling on June 12, 2025, pronounced that Swedish authorities must investigate the sperm theft cases from Halmstad's hospital. The decision arises following revelations from SVT's investigative program, which uncovered that at least five men were exploited as sperm donors without their knowledge. Wernersson expressed relief, stating, "Crimes against human rights should not expire before one is aware that their rights have been violated."
Initially, cases like Wernersson's were hindered by the statute of limitations, which prevented any legal recourse until the recent court ruling clarified that the timeline for such limitations should only begin once the victim is aware of the violation. This landmark verdict is expected to reopen discussions in Swedish courts regarding potential compensations, as the Centrum för rättvisa organization, representing the victims, intends to seek damages of 100,000 kronor (approximately $9,000) per affected individual from Region Halland.
Wernersson, who now has a relationship with his biological daughter Rebecka, asserts that many others have suffered significantly due to these unauthorized actions. This decision by the European Court marks a critical step in addressing the legal and ethical ramifications of past medical practices in Sweden. As this situation develops, it highlights the importance of accountability in healthcare and the safeguarding of patients' rights.